Congress Passes Internet
Child-Protection Measures
In its final days before adjournment, Congress passed measures designed to protect children from online indecency and privacy incursions.
On October 7 the House passed the Child Online Protection Act, which would make commercial Web sites require proof of age before allowing viewing of material considered "harmful to minors." That same day the Senate attached a similar measure to a bill imposing a moratorium on new Internet taxes, which passed 96-2.
The House bill, passed by voice vote, also included a proposal—under consideration by the Senate as well—to require online providers to get a guardian's approval before collecting private information from children under age 12.
Assistant Attorney General Anthony Sutin sent representatives a letter October 5 outlining the Clinton administration's objections to the House bill, saying it "contains numerous ambiguities concerning the scope of its coverage" that could render it unconstitutional. However, President Clinton has agreed to sign the Internet tax legislation.
Civil liberties groups have also objected to the legislation, and the Electronic Freedom Foundation has announced that it will sue if the bill becomes law.
Posted October 12, 1998.
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