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

GoFundMe Set Up for Danny Ferretti's Medical Expenses

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up for Fangear founder Danny Ferretti, who requires extensive lung surgery.

Byborg Acquires Cuties AI

Byborg Enterprises has acquired adult artificial intelligence startup Cuties AI.

Irish Government Releases Report on Sex Work Decriminalization Legislation

The Irish government has released a report reviewing a 2017 law that decriminalized sex work across the country.

Texas Bill Would Require Age Verification for Online Sex Toy Sales

A new bill in the Texas state legislature would require online retailers to implement age verification of purchasers before selling “obscene devices” to anyone in that state.

New York Assemblyman Proposes Banning the Term 'Sex Work'

Republican New York Assembly Member Brian Maher has introduced a bill to prohibit the use of the term "sex work" in government documents.

Age Verification Watch: Michigan Joins the AV Club, Some Laws Just Make No Sense

This roundup provides an update on the latest news and developments on the age verification front as it impacts the adult industry.

Free Speech Groups Back SCOTUS Appeal of Georgia Strip Club Tax

Two civil liberties organizations filed an amicus brief Tuesday supporting a petition asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear an appeal in a case involving whether a tax specifically aimed at adult entertainment establishments violates the First Amendment.

Creator Networking App 'Plaiir' Launches

Plaiir, a mobile networking app for creators, has officially launched.

Swedish Court Rules LELO Products Do Not Infringe 'Invalid' Satisfyer Patent

A Swedish district court has ruled that a patent filed by Satisfyer parent company EIS GmbH is not valid, and therefore three products from pleasure brand LELO are not in violation.

North Dakota House Committee Questions Anti-Porn 'Public Health Hazard' Claim

The North Dakota House of Representatives Education Committee on Monday amended a resolution that would have recognized pornography as a “public health hazard,” instead replacing that language with a call for further study into whether such a designation is appropriate.

Show More