WASHINGTON—Today, a U.S. House Energy and Commerce subcommittee will hold a hearing on what actions Congress can take to combat harms against Americans online.
NetChoice applauds the subcommittee for wanting to thoughtfully act on this important issue, and we strongly encourage lawmakers to ensure law enforcement is being properly funded to stop criminals and predators online and pass a national standard for data privacy so all Americans can be protected—no matter their zip code.
“Protecting Americans, especially children, online starts with stronger law enforcement. Congress should focus on ensuring existing laws are enforced and funding the tools police need to catch bad actors operating online and put them behind bars,” said Amy Bos, NetChoice Director of State and Federal Affairs. “Americans also deserve a privacy standard that protects us all, no matter where we live. A patchwork of state laws has only created confusion, undermined innovation and left consumers behind. The 119th Congress has a chance to get this right, and it should make negotiating and passing a national privacy law a priority.”
U.S. law requires any website that finds CSAM to take it down and report it to NCMEC or face liability. However, 99% of those reports are not investigated due to a lack of capacity. To help, the subcommittee should support the Invest in Child Safety Act, which would give law enforcement needed funding so they can properly investigate reports of abuse online and get predators off the internet and off our streets.
The subcommittee should also work with the White House to reauthorize and enforce the PROTECT Our Children Act of 2008. This law aimed to create, “a strong nationwide network of highly trained law enforcement experts to track down these offenders and put them behind bars,” but a December 2022 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report shows the DOJ has not been complying with the law for years. The subcommittee can work with President Trump and his administration to ensure this critical law for online safety is enforced.
Last, but certainly not least, every American deserves strong, consistent privacy protections—regardless of their zip code. That means settling questions around a private right of action and federal preemption with an eye toward long-term benefits, not partisan gridlock. The goal should be clear rules that protect consumers and support innovation. The subcommittee should work to negotiate and pass a national privacy standard that protects all Americans and promotes innovation.
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