“At Internet Association, we stand behind the goals of SESTA [the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act of 2017]. We want to see an end to sex trafficking online.”
That quote, given as testimony by IA’s own Abigail Slater during yesterday’s Senate Commerce Committee hearing, reflects our collective commitment to end online sex trafficking.
Fortunately, yesterday’s hearing showed positive signs of things to come, with both lawmakers and industry actors indicating they are open to compromise in order to achieve the mutual goal of ending child sex trafficking. It is essential that any bill allows Internet Association members to continue their significant efforts with law enforcement, anti-trafficking groups, and victims to confront this problem without unforeseen new liability.
IA reaffirmed in testimony yesterday its commitment to working with the Senate Commerce Committee, sponsors of the bill, and individual Members on how we can improve language in SESTA. We also stand ready to support legislation to make it easier for victims of these crimes to seek justice and hold perpetrators accountable in criminal and civil court.
The internet industry is not alone in looking for solutions that can improve SESTA. In fact, a bipartisan group of key Senate Commerce Committee Members used yesterday’s hearing to call for compromise on SESTA. Lawmakers, including Commerce Committee Chairman Sen. John Thune (R-SD), Sen. Maggie Hassan (D-NH). Sen. Todd Young (R-IN), and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI) highlighted the need for the legislation to achieve its desired effects while avoiding unintended consequences that would make solving the problem harder.
The internet industry stands ready to support a SESTA compromise that enables the crucial and ongoing fight against sex trafficking online. Internet Association looks forward to our continued engagement with lawmakers on this critical issue as we find ways in which all well-intentioned parties can agree on the details of legislation.
