Kunze Introduces Bill to Protect Ohio's Children from Online Pornography

COLUMBUS—State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Dublin) today announced the introduction of Senate Bill 212, restricting minors' access to pornographic websites by requiring age verification. 

Senate Bill 212 adds safeguards to prevent Ohio’s most vulnerable population, our children, from being exposed to explicit material. The legislation prohibits businesses from distributing pornographic material online without first verifying the age of persons accessing their websites.

"This legislation is critical in shielding our children from adult content and we must come together as a General Assembly to do all that we can to keep our youth healthy and safe," said Kunze. "I look forward to working with my joint sponsor Senator DeMora and Lt. Governor Husted on this important bill." 

This legislation requires age verification through an independent, third-party verification service, but will prohibit the third party from retaining personal information after access has been granted or denied.

Eight other states have enacted similar legislation: Utah, Louisiana, Arkansas, Mississippi, Texas, Montana, Virginia, and North Carolina.

Efforts like these are crucial in helping to curtail online pornography and protect the health and minds of our youth from harmful internet content and addiction. 

To watch today's press conference, click here. 

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