Proposed Congressional Bill: Online Safety Modernization Act of 2017
Would make doxxing and other online acts a federal crime!
As a part of their election promises, this administration committed to make us safer online and to create mechanisms to go after global online criminal organizations.
Already we have seen to significant Elective Orders from President Trump, and now Congress is continuing the momentum with the Online Safety Modernization Act of 2017
At no time in the past 10 years have we seen, or been able to be a part of this much attention and focus on these crimes. Crimes that have been ignored in past White House Administrations, and crippled the abilities of the FBI and other law enforcement to respond effectively.
To learn more about this act we urge you to take the time to read and understand what is being proposed. If you find something missing, feel free to reach out to the Congress people directly with your suggestions.
Why Do We Need This New Law?
While many internet harassment tactics, such as doxxing and swatting, are considered illegal under some U.S. state criminal laws, the coverage is often indirect. More often than not, law enforcement has difficulty identifying and prosecuting these types of crimes. But now, Representatives Katherine Clark (D-MA), Susan Brooks (R-IN) and Patrick Meehan (R-PA) want to criminalize these behaviors at the federal level with the Online Safety Modernization Act of 2017.
“The legislation is a roadmap for Congress to address online safety and combat the rise in online crimes that disproportionately affect women and girls,” says the press release for the bill. It specifically prohibits sextortion, swatting, doxxing and revenge porn, as well as provides training and resources for federal, state and local law enforcement to deal with these complex issues. The bill is supported by Facebook; it’s not clear what other tech or social media companies are on board.
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