Bill Detail

Bill S-209, also known as the Protecting Young Persons from Exposure to Pornography Act, aims to make it illegal for organizations to provide pornographic material to individuals under 18 years of age online. The bill acknowledges the potential harms associated with young people's consumption of pornography, including addiction, reinforcement of harmful stereotypes, and attitudes favorable to violence.

The legislation allows for designated enforcement authorities to take action to prevent online access to pornography for minors. Organizations found guilty of making pornographic material available to young people for commercial purposes could face significant fines, with stricter penalties for repeat offenses. A defense might be possible if the organization used approved age-verification methods or if the material had a legitimate scientific, medical, educational, or artistic purpose.