Technology (Social Media)

This Montana bill requires all smartphones and tablets activated in the state on or after January 1, 2026, to include built-in filters that block obscene content for users under 18. The law mandates that devices automatically enable these filters when a user indicates they are a minor during setup, while allowing adults to disable the filters with a password. Manufacturers face civil liability if their devices fail to include compliant filters and minors access obscene content, though parents and guardians are exempt from individual liability. The Attorney General can pursue penalties of up to $5,000 per violation and recover legal costs for enforcing these requirements.

Bill LC 1580, titled "Expand child labor laws to include digital labor practices," proposed to update existing child labor regulations to cover digital work performed by minors, such as creating social media content, participating in online gigs, or engaging in digital content creation. The bill would have required businesses and platforms employing minors in digital work to comply with age restrictions and hour limits similar to traditional child labor laws. However, the bill died in the legislative process on May 26, 2025, and did not become law, so no policy changes were implemented.

SB 192 would have imposed a 10% tax on digital advertising revenue generated within Montana by companies with worldwide annual digital advertising revenue exceeding $25 million. It directly affects large digital advertisers (like major tech or social media platforms) operating in Montana, taxing only the portion of their revenue derived from ads served to Montana users. The tax would be calculated using an apportionment method based on Montana ad revenue relative to total U.S. ad revenue, with returns due annually by April 15. All collected revenue would have been deposited into Montana's general fund, as specified in the bill's provisions. The bill died in committee in May 2025 and was not enacted.