Statement On The Introduction Of The EARN IT Act

Washington, DC –  IA Senior Vice President, Global Government Affairs Michael Bloom released the following statement on the introduction of the Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies Act of 2020 (EARN IT Act) in the Senate:

“IA member companies strive to end child exploitation online. They take a variety of actions, including dedicating engineering resources to the development of tools like PhotoDNA and building close partnerships with law enforcement agencies and organizations like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Section 230 empowers internet companies to proactively identify and remove CSAM and other illegal or objectionable material. It’s important to remember that the law does not grant immunity to those who violate child exploitation laws.

“IA and its member companies share the goal of helping to eradicate child exploitation online and offline. We have very strong concerns, however, that the EARN IT Act as introduced may impede existing industry efforts to achieve this shared goal. We look forward to working with Chairman Graham and Senator Blumenthal on a path forward.”

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