The SAFE for Kids Act of 2026 requires websites and commercial entities that publish sexually explicit material to implement age verification systems to prevent minors under 18 from accessing such content. Covered entities must verify users' ages through government identification, transactional data, or other reliable methods before allowing access to sexual material that meets specific legal definitions. The bill protects internet service providers, search engines, and cloud services from liability simply for providing connections to these websites, and prohibits companies from retaining or selling personal information collected during the age verification process. The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice will enforce the law, with violations treated as unfair or deceptive practices subject to civil penalties and fines up to $1.5 million for organizations, plus potential criminal penalties including up to five years in prison for knowing violations. The legislation also creates a private right of action allowing individuals and parents to sue violating entities for damages and attorney's fees, with the FTC and Attorney General required to report to Congress annually on enforcement efforts for the first year and every three years thereafter.
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