Utah lawmakers plan to block porn on all cellphones automatically.

Utah is considering H.B.72, a bill that would require all cellphones and tablets to block pornography through content filters. It is not a law yet.

Utah is considering H.B.72, a bill that would require all cellphones and tablets to block pornography through content filters. It is not a law yet.In March 2021, the GOP-controlled Legislature passed a proposal called the H.B.72 Device Filter Bill that would require every electronic device (cellphone and tablet) sold in the state to block pornography automatically in Utah. The bill was sponsored by Rep. Susan Pulsipher and floor sponsored by Sen. Wayne A Harper. The lawmakers who believe pornographic materials can affect minors had also previously enforced a law that requires warning labels to be attached to adult-oriented materials.

When this bill takes effect, every tablet or a smartphone sold in the state and manufactured on and after January 1, 2021, should have a filter capable of blocking harmful material to minors. The filter on the devices will enable users to deactivate the specific content and notify them when it has filtered.

After implementing this proposal, suppose a device does not enable filter upon activation in the state and a minor accesses material harmful on the device. In that case, the bill allows for a civil penalty against a manufacturer for up to $10 for violation. The proposal has to be signed by the New Gov. Spencer Cox and he can either veto or sign the proposal by March 25.