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On November 22, 2025, the Idaho Legislature passed a new internet safety law aimed at protecting children online. The law, known as the Child Online Protection Act, requires internet service providers (ISPs) to implement measures to prevent access to harmful or inappropriate content for users under the age of 18.Under the new law, ISPs are required to provide parental controls that allow parents to block or filter content that may be harmful to their children. Additionally, ISPs must implement age verification systems to ensure that children cannot access age-inappropriate content without proper authorization."This law is a critical step in safeguarding our children from the dangers that can lurk online," said State Senator Samantha Johnson, who sponsored the bill. "We must do everything we can to ensure that our children can safely navigate the internet without being exposed to harmful content."The Child Online Protection Act also includes provisions for educational programs to teach children and parents about internet safety and responsible online behavior. Schools will be required to include internet safety education in their curriculum, and parents will have access to resources and information to help them monitor their children's online activity.The law has received praise from child advocacy groups and internet safety organizations, who see it as a vital tool in protecting children from online predators, cyberbullying, and harmful content.However, some critics argue that the law may infringe on free speech rights and impose unnecessary restrictions on the internet. They raise concerns about potential censorship and the effectiveness of age verification systems in preventing children from accessing inappropriate content.Despite these concerns, the Child Online Protection Act is set to go into effect on January 1, 2026. ISPs will have until that date to implement the necessary measures to comply with the new law and protect children online.