The Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA) is actively encouraging Montana lawmakers to oppose House Bill 408 due to significant concerns regarding its technical feasibility, legal risks, and potential unintended consequences for both consumers and businesses.
The proposed legislation mandates a default content filter be integrated into devices sold within Montana. CCIA highlights that this provision does not consider the typical functioning of internet filtering or the vast array of internet-connected devices currently available. Additionally, the bill outlines extensive liability based on ambiguous standards regarding what qualifies as "obscene" content. CCIA's advocacy is rooted in supporting innovation, preserving free expression, and promoting user choice.
Aodhan Downey, CCIA's State Policy Manager, addressed the issue by stating, “HB 408 presents serious technical and legal issues. Internet service providers, not device manufacturers, are the ones equipped to manage content access. Requiring a state-specific default filter not only creates unworkable compliance challenges but also leaves many devices — especially those without location-tracking or that are sold online — beyond the bill’s regulatory reach. What’s more, the bill imposes steep penalties based on vague determinations of obscenity, leaving businesses to either over-filter lawful content or face costly litigation.”
Downey further advocated for lawmakers to enable parents and consumers to utilize existing toolsets. He remarked, “Rather than mandating flawed technical solutions, we urge lawmakers to empower parents and consumers to use existing tools — many of which already offer privacy protections, time limits, and site-specific blocking — to keep children safe online.”