Phoenix, Arizona — Arizona lawmakers are advancing legislation aimed at preventing the spread of child pornography and non-consensual explicit content online, with House Bill 2133 now awaiting consideration in the state Senate. The bill previously passed the House with a 41-16 vote.
The proposal would require commercial websites hosting sexual content to verify that all individuals depicted are at least 18 years old and have consented to participation. Platforms would also need to implement safeguards against non-consensual uploads, including automated detection tools and third-party verification systems when available.
Under the bill, companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to $10,000 per day per violation, with penalties rising to $250,000 if minors are involved. The legislation also expands definitions to include AI-generated or digitally altered explicit images, making such content subject to criminal penalties.
Supporters, including sponsor Rep. Nick Kupper (R-Yuma), say the measure aligns online enforcement with standards applied in the physical world. He described the bill as proactive, designed to prevent harm before it occurs rather than responding after content is distributed.
The legislation includes exemptions for news organizations, search engines, and legitimate educational or medical uses. Industry groups have worked with lawmakers on amendments, focusing on compliance with federal law and verification standards.
If approved by the Senate, the bill would head to Gov. Katie Hobbs for final consideration.
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