MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WDNews)– Two bills aimed at protecting minors from harmful online content have cleared the Alabama Senate and now move to the House for consideration.
Both bills were sponsored by Senator Clyde Chambliss and received strong majority support.
The first bill, SB186, the bill passed by a vote of 28–5. The bill would require smartphones and tablets sold in Alabama to activate content filters that block sexually explicit material if the device is being set up by a minor.
The filters would be built into devices manufactured after June 1, 2025, and would go into effect starting January 1, 2027. Parents could potentially sue manufacturers if filters are bypassed and minors are exposed to obscene content.
Under the bill, devices must ask for the user’s age during setup. If the user is under 18, the filter activates automatically.
Only a parent or guardian can disable the filter and manufacturers face civil penalties for non-compliance.
The second bill, SB187, would require app stores to verify users’ ages and link accounts held by minors to verified parent accounts. Before a minor can download apps or make in-app purchases, a parent must give explicit permission.
Under the bill, app stores must obtain verifiable parental consent before granting access. Parents must receive detailed disclosures about what data apps collect and how it’s used.
Significant changes to an app’s data policy or content would require renewed parental consent.
Violations from the companies could be treated as deceptive trade practices, with fines of up to $50,000 per offense.
The bill passed 26–6 and would take effect October 1, 2026, if signed into law.
Supporters say the legislation is a step toward safeguarding children online, while opponents raise concerns about parental rights, privacy and tech industry compliance.
