Bill to require default filters on phones and tablets draws mixed reaction

Delegate Susan McComas told the committee that House Bill 12‑12 would require device manufacturers to ship internet‑connected devices for children with filtering enabled by default and to make it harder for non‑guardians to disable those filters.

Supporters framed the bill as a narrow, child‑protection measure: Peggy Cairns of the Maryland Coalition Against Pornography said early exposure to explicit online content is common and harmful, and she urged default active filters for minors. Chris McKenna, a technical expert for Protect Young Eyes, testified that Apple and Google can already enable filters based on a user’s stated age and that requiring default filters for children is technologically feasible.

Industry trade groups and tech associations opposed the bill as drafted. TechNet and others warned that content filtering is imperfect and that automated blocking risks suppressing lawful speech and blocking non‑obscene content; they said manufacturers and platforms already offer parental controls and asked the committee to avoid an unfunded, prescriptive mandate. TechNet also raised operational concerns about manufacturers deciding what content is "obscene" and the legal exposure that could create.

Supporters urged the committee to craft narrower, implementable language; some suggested working with industry to provide sensible default settings and an appeals or override path for adults.

What’s next: The sponsor said the committee controls the final form and may adopt amendments to narrow scope and technical requirements. No vote was taken at the hearing.