In a move that has sparked debate among parents, lawmakers, and internet companies, the Tennessee legislature has passed a bill aimed at regulating internet usage for minors. The bill, which was signed into law by Governor John Smith on Thursday, prohibits children under the age of 18 from accessing certain websites and online content deemed inappropriate or harmful.The new law, known as the Tennessee Internet Protection Act, requires internet service providers to create a system for filtering out specific websites and content that may be harmful to minors. These filters will be implemented at the network level, meaning that all devices accessing the internet within Tennessee will be subject to the regulations.The bill also mandates that parents have the ability to override these filters for their own children, allowing them to customize their child's internet access based on their family's values and guidelines. Additionally, internet companies will be required to provide educational resources to parents on how to monitor and manage their children's online activity.Supporters of the legislation argue that it is necessary to protect minors from harmful and inappropriate content that can be easily accessed online. They believe that parents need assistance in monitoring and controlling their children's internet usage in an increasingly digital world.However, opponents of the bill argue that it infringes on the rights of both parents and children, and that it is the responsibility of parents, not the government, to monitor their children's online activity. They also raise concerns about potential censorship and the impact on free speech and access to information.The Tennessee Internet Protection Act is set to go into effect on July 1st, 2026, giving internet service providers and families time to prepare for the new regulations. It remains to be seen how the law will be implemented and enforced, and what impact it will have on internet usage for minors in the state.