Digital Age Verification Bill

Subject: Concerns Regarding SB 17 and Its Implications for Privacy and Freedom of Speech

Office of the Indiana Attorney General

Indiana Government Center South

302 W. Washington St., 5th Floor

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Phone: (317) 232-6201

Fax: (317) 232-7979

Subject: Concerns Regarding SB 17 and Its Implications for Privacy and Freedom of Speech

Dear Attorney General [Last Name],

I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to express my deep concerns about SB 17, a bill currently under consideration, which aims to enforce age verification measures for online content deemed "material harmful to minors" in Indiana.

SB 17 proposes that websites displaying such content implement age verification methods to ensure only adults can access them. Failure to comply could result in lawsuits against website operators and legal actions by the Attorney General. While the intent to protect minors from inappropriate content is understandable, this bill raises significant constitutional and practical concerns.

Firstly, SB 17 threatens the privacy rights of adult Hoosiers by mandating the sharing of personal information, such as photo IDs, with third-party verification services. This requirement could lead to data breaches and misuse, as evidenced by numerous instances where sensitive information has been compromised.

Moreover, the bill could have a chilling effect on free speech online. The fear of exposing personal data might deter adults from accessing legal and consensual adult content, thereby infringing upon their right to explore and express themselves privately in digital spaces.

Legally, SB 17 faces challenges under the U.S. Constitution. The Supreme Court has previously ruled that restrictions on minors' access to adult material must not unduly burden adults' rights to access the same material. Alternative measures, such as voluntary parental controls, have been deemed less restrictive and more aligned with constitutional principles.

Furthermore, similar legislation in other states has had unintended consequences, including website blockages and financial burdens on businesses. For instance, in Utah, strict age verification laws led major platforms like PornHub to restrict access, affecting law-abiding adults' ability to access constitutionally protected content.

Given these concerns, I urge your office to carefully consider the implications of SB 17 on Hoosiers' privacy and free speech rights. While protecting minors online is crucial, any legislative approach must strike a balance that upholds constitutional liberties and avoids unintended censorship or legal challenges.

I appreciate your attention to this matter and urge you to oppose SB 17 in its current form. Protecting privacy and free speech online is essential to maintaining our democratic values and ensuring Hoosiers' rights are respected.

Thank you for your leadership and commitment to upholding constitutional principles.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

[Your Contact Information]

[Date]

APA Citation for Contact Information:

Office of the Indiana Attorney General. (n.d.). Contact information. Retrieved June 17, 2024, from https://www.in.gov/attorneygeneral/contact-us/

APA Citation for ACLU of Indiana Article:

ACLU of Indiana. (2024, February 22). Online age verification bill threatens Hoosiers’ privacy. ACLU of Indiana. https://www.aclu-in.org/en/news/online-age-verification-bill-threatens-hoosiers-privacy