Conservative lawmakers in Utah have advanced a proposal that would automatically block pornography on phones and tablets sold in the state — a move that critics have blasted as unconstitutional.
A spokeswoman for Utah Gov. Spencer Cox said he “will carefully consider” the measure before a March 25 deadline. Critics have called the legislation an intrusion on free speech, while those supporting it say the bill is aimed at protecting children.
The bill requires that all cell phone and tablet manufacturers that intend to sell in the state use content filters to block porn.
If the proposal is signed, it could mean that manufacturers who don’t use filters could face up to a couple of thousand dollars in fines, according to reports.