Iowa Lawmakers Considering Age Verification Legislation

DES MOINES, Iowa—The Iowa state legislature is considering age verification legislation targeting adult entertainment platforms. Senate File (SF) 2227 would require websites to use age verification if they host content considered "obscene." The intent of the bill is to "prevent mental, emotional, physical, and developmental harms to minors." "Reasonable age verification" measures are on the docket in the bill, such as using government-issued identification cards like state and military IDs, or a credit card. Platforms found in violation of the act could be sued by parents or guardians who claim harm was carried out against their children. SF 2227 was introduced by Republican lawmakers and is similar to legislation that has been passed or proposed in Louisiana and dozens of other states. Adult industry trade group the Free Speech Coalition is tracking "copycat" bills like SF 2227.