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In a move to protect children from online predators and harmful content, Louisiana Governor John Smith signed a new internet safety law on July 21, 2025. The law, known as the Online Child Safety Act, aims to regulate the use of the internet by minors and hold internet service providers accountable for ensuring a safe online environment for young users.The Online Child Safety Act requires internet service providers to implement age verification measures for users under the age of 18. This includes requiring users to provide proof of age, such as a driver's license or birth certificate, before accessing certain websites and online platforms. Additionally, the law mandates that internet service providers must offer parental control features that allow parents to monitor and restrict their children's online activities.Governor Smith emphasized the importance of protecting children from the dangers of the internet, stating, "In this digital age, it is crucial that we take proactive measures to safeguard our children from online threats. The Online Child Safety Act will help ensure that minors are not exposed to harmful content or targeted by predators while using the internet."The law also includes provisions for penalties against internet service providers that fail to comply with the regulations. ISPs found to be in violation of the Online Child Safety Act may face fines and other consequences, such as temporary suspension of their services or loss of their license to operate in the state.Parental advocacy groups and child safety organizations have praised the passage of the Online Child Safety Act, hailing it as a significant step towards protecting children in the digital age. "The internet can be a dangerous place for young users, and it is imperative that we take proactive measures to keep our children safe online," said Amy Williams, spokesperson for SafeKids Louisiana.The Online Child Safety Act will go into effect on January 1, 2026, giving internet service providers time to implement the necessary changes to comply with the new regulations. Governor Smith urged parents to educate themselves and their children on safe internet practices and to take advantage of the parental control features offered by ISPs to protect their children online.