How a Controversial New Sex-Trafficking Law Will Change the Web | WIRED
kiratebbe's bookmarks 2018-03-23
Summary:
The debate over altering a bedrock law governing the internet in the name of curbing sex trafficking was polarizing. The final vote was not.
The Senate Wednesday voted 97-to-2 to approve changes to the law that has shielded website operators from liability for content posted by others. The Stop Enabling Online Sex Trafficking Act was previously approved by the House and now goes to President Trump, who endorsed it earlier this month.
The legislative effort inspired fervent opposition along the way from Google, free-speech stalwarts, and sex workers. Supporters of the bill say it will allow victims of online sex trafficking to legally pursue websites that facilitate trafficking, Until now, those efforts have been thwarted by the liability shield in Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. The bill was proposed after a California judge dismissed criminal charges against Backpage.com and its CEO over online ads featuring underage girls because of Section 230.