Utah Enforces Age Verification Despite VPN Use
- Utah’s SB 73 mandates age verification for websites hosting adult content, even when users use VPNs.
- Operators are prohibited from providing instructions to bypass age checks using VPNs or proxies.
- Violations can incur fines up to $2,500 per incident from the Division of Consumer Protection and courts.
- Verification providers must not retain identifying information post-access approval.
Utah’s new law requires websites with significant adult content to verify user ages, even if users hide their location with VPNs. This regulation aims to protect minors but raises concerns about privacy and free speech restrictions regarding VPN usage instructions.
The law could lead to substantial fines for non-compliance, emphasizing Utah’s strict stance on digital rights and age verification enforcement in the digital space. (Source)
