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On September 19, 2025, South Carolina lawmakers announced the passing of a new internet law aimed at protecting minors from accessing inappropriate content and making unauthorized online purchases. The law, known as the Online Protection Act, requires all retailers and online platforms to implement age verification systems for customers making purchases online.Under the new law, South Carolina residents will be required to verify their age before completing any online purchase. This verification process can involve providing a government-issued ID or answering security questions to confirm their age. Retailers and online platforms that fail to implement these age verification measures could face hefty fines and potential suspension of their online operations in the state.The Online Protection Act was introduced in response to concerns about the ease with which minors can access age-restricted content and make unauthorized purchases online. Lawmakers pointed to a rise in cases of minors using their parents' credit cards to make large purchases on online platforms without their knowledge or consent.Supporters of the new law argue that it is necessary to protect the interests and well-being of minors in the digital age. By requiring age verification for online purchases, South Carolina aims to limit access to age-inappropriate content and prevent minors from engaging in potentially harmful or illegal online activities.However, critics of the Online Protection Act have raised concerns about the potential impact on small businesses and the inconvenience it may cause for adult consumers. Some argue that the law could create additional barriers to online shopping and disproportionately affect certain demographic groups who may have difficulty verifying their age online.Overall, the passage of the Online Protection Act represents a significant step in regulating online commerce and protecting vulnerable populations in South Carolina. As the law goes into effect, retailers and online platforms will need to quickly adapt their systems to comply with the new age verification requirements or face penalties for non-compliance.