Utah Proposes Rule to Check People's Age Online

Utah Proposes Rule to Check People's Age Online

SALT LAKE CITY — The state of Utah on Monday released its first proposed rule to regulate how social media platforms verify the age of their users in the state.

The Division of Consumer Protection, part of Utah’s Department of Commerce, submitted the rule in preparation for implementation of the state’s Social Media Regulation Act, set to take effect March 1, 2024.

According to Republican Gov. Spencer Cox’s administration, acceptable methods of age verification online include: “validating and verifying mobile telephone subscriber information; using dynamic knowledge-based authentication consistent with the method approved by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC); estimating a current account holder’s age based on the date a Utah account holder created the account; checking a current or prospective account holder’s Social Security number’s last four digits against a third-party database of personal information; estimating a current or prospective account holder’s age using facial characterization or analysis; matching a current or prospective account holder’s verified government-issued identification to a live webcam photo or video of the person, or to the person who is physically present; and other forms of digital credentials.”

According to local press reports, the rule has yet to be finalized, and members of the public can comment on it through Feb. 5, 2024 via a government website.

A public hearing on the rule will be held in the Senate Building on Nov. 1.

Cox stated that these proposed rules “ensure that social media companies prioritize the safety and privacy of Utah’s youth while allowing them the flexibility to select methods that best meet their needs.”

Utah’s Social Media Regulation Act expands the age verification requirements that the state first mandated for adult sites to every social media platform.

Utah has often led other states in implementing anti-porn legislation. In practice, the state has little separation between church, state, press, education and business, and the Mormon church — to whicha  majority of Utahns claim affiliation — has resisted scientific, evidence-based and parents-focused approaches to discussing child protection online. 

Despite the national GOP’s laissez-faire philosophy regarding most business and regulatory issues, Utah’s Republican officeholders have relentlessly championed blanket mandates when it comes to age verification methods and default manufacturer-enabled filters.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

Missouri AG Announces Age Verification Rule to Take Effect Nov. 30

Newly appointed Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway announced Friday that the state's recently approved age verification regulation for adult websites will go into effect on Nov. 30.

Aylo, Woodhull Freedom Foundation to Host 'Online Censorship' Event

Aylo and Woodhull Freedom Foundation will co-host a virtual panel addressing online censorship on Sept. 30.

Severe Sex Films Relaunches Site Through YourPaysitePartner

Severe Sex Films has relaunched its official website through YourPaysitePartner (YPP).

Judge Awards Plaintiffs Over $400K in Attorneys Fees in Derek Hay Civil Case

California Superior Court Judge Gail Killefer has awarded former clients of LA Direct Models over $400,000 in attorneys fees and court costs, to be paid by agency founder Derek Hay.

ChickPass Rebrands as 'ChickPass Cinematic Universe'

ChickPass has announced that it has rebranded its network of sites as ChickPass Cinematic Universe.

Brazilian Adult Industry Association ABIPEA Launches

Brazilian Association of the Adult Entertainment Industry and Professionals (ABIPEA) has officially launched its organization.

New Adult Social Media Platform 'Havven' Opens Beta Phase

Havven, a new adult social media platform, has opened its beta phase and will officially launch Oct. 5.

Former Backpage CEO Carl Ferrer Sentenced to 3 Years Probation, $40,000 Fine

Former Backpage.com CEO Carl Ferrer was sentenced in federal court today to three years' probation and a $40,000 restitution fine for a conspiracy conviction related to money laundering through the defunct website.

Pineapple Support to Launch 'Wellbeing by PS' Initiative

Pineapple Support has announced its Wellbeing by PS initiative, naming new team member Amber Madden to head the project.

Playboy Wins $81 Million Judgment in Chinese Licensing Arbitration

Playboy Inc. was awarded $81 million in damages on Monday by the Hong Kong International Arbitration Centre, in a licensing dispute with former partner New Handong Investment (Guangdong) Co. Ltd.

Show More