Bill Would Extend Online Obscenity Laws to Blogs, Mailing Lists

Erris writes "Senator John McCain has proposed a bill to extend federal obscenity reporting guidelines to all forms of internet communications. Those who fail to report according to guidelines could face fines of up to $300,000 for unreported posts to a blog or mailing list. The EFF was quick to slam the proposal, saying that this was the very definition of 'slippery slope', and citing the idea of 'personal common carrier'." From the article: "These types of individuals or businesses would be required to file reports: any Web site with a message board; any chat room; any social-networking site; any e-mail service; any instant-messaging service; any Internet content hosting service; any domain name registration service; any Internet search service; any electronic communication service; and any image or video-sharing service."

Comments

Re:John McCain loses more of my respect every day

[advocate_one]

He has cow-towed to the religious right.

I think you mean Kowtow, not cow-tow... nothing to do with towing cows at all... see here. Kowtowing is making a grand abasement to a superior officer... prostrating yourself touching your forehead to the ground

Actual Bill

[Changer2002]

While I still think this is a bad idea, the bill is directed towards child pornography, not obscenity in general. Also, according to the bill there would be a duty to report if the administrator obtained actual knowledge that child pornography was posted online. I didn't read the bill over in great detail but I didn't see anything about an affirmative duty to monitor, just report when something is brought to your attention. Still it sets a bad precedent and I'm disappointed in McCain who I've always supported.

Re:What's that smell in the air?

[TheGreek]

Yes, let's be sure to tell him what we think of that: http://mccain.senate.gov//contact/index.cfm?ID=64/

Sending feedback to his Senate Office is less than worthless unless you're a resident of Arizona. If you're not, his staff will likely follow the custom of forwarding your correspondence to your state's Senators.

You're really better off writing your senators about the measure yourself.

Huh?

[cje]

McCain has an 85% strong conservative voting record. How in the world does that make him "far left"? Speaking from the left, I can tell you: We don't want him.

Re:hahaha

[Nasarius]

Browse through PollingReport some time.

• 53-39 pro-choice
• about 60% for universal health care (and years ago)
• 50-37 for stem cell research
• 57-35 favor the environment over economic growth
• 54% favor stricter gun control laws
• 49-43 favor affirmative action
• 56-39 are against privatization of Social Security (various questions, same overall picture)
• 60% favor withdrawal from Iraq in six months

Tell me again how the public loves far-right ideas? On issues without broad public support, it's our responsibility to lead social change. The Dems don't pander to the base. They're to the right of the fucking majority of Americans on many issues!