The Greatest Enabler of Sexual Exploitation ... Is On Its Way Out

In 1996, Section 230 of The Communications Decency Act was passed by Congress to help provide an innovation-friendly environment on the internet by shielding tech from liability for the actions of its users. But the law has been exploited by Big Tech companies, who have used it to avoid accountability and guard their profits at the expense of our children. Section 230 has transmuted into a cancer that has plagued the online ecosystem—it has become the greatest enabler of sexual exploitation. 
 

This outdated, harmful law urgently needs to be revisited, and now Congress has come to recognize it. This is why Hon. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-WA) and Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) have introduced bipartisan draft legislation to sunset Section 230.  

If this sunset bill is passed, Section 230 would be rendered inactive after December 31, 2025, which would allow victims to hold Big Tech accountable for the spread of illegal CSAM on their platforms. 
 

As Reps. McMorris Rodgers and Pallone wrote in a WSJ OpEd "Meaningful changes will ensure these companies are no longer able to hide behind a broadly interpreted law while they manipulate and profit from Americans’ free-speech protections. Updating Section 230 will empower parents, children and others who have been exploited by criminals, drug dealers and others on social-media platform." 

📣ACTION: Call for Section 230 Reform!

Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) Takes Next Step Forward!

The Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) has taken the next big step forward in the House of Representatives, advancing out of the House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Innovation, Data, and Commerce by a voice vote! Now, the bill will advance to the full Energy & Commerce committee for a vote.  

This is unprecedented progress for legislation governing online child protection—Congress has not passed legislation to keep children safe online in 25 years!  
 
But now, both Democrats and Republicans are standing united on the Kids Online Safety Act, which now boasts 69 co-sponsors in the Senate and 15 co-sponsors in the House.  
 
THANK YOU for joining us in pushing for this crucial solution to protect our kids!  

📣ACTION: Inform Your Representative About KOSA

NCOSE Petitions Supreme Court to Examine Sex Slavery in Nevada

Jane Doe #1 was held in debt bondage at a legal brothel in Nevada. While under the control of two different pimps, she was required to obtain a Sheriff’s work card to start prostituting at the “Chicken Ranch.” The sheriff’s office did not ask for a government ID, attempt to verify her age or consent, or attempt to determine if she was under the control of a pimp/sex trafficker.

The brothel took 50% of what Jane Doe #1 earned, and charged her for room and board, transportation, and monthly medical exams. The rest of Jane Doe’s money went to her two pimps/traffickers. She was not permitted to leave if she owed the brothel money. Now, she suffers from PTSD.

Jane Doe #1 is one of three survivor plaintiffs in NCOSE’s first ever petition for certiorari to the Supreme Court (i.e. asking the Supreme Court to review the decision of a lower court). Although each plaintiff’s experience was different, they collectively attribute their exploitation to Nevada’s system of legalized prostitution.

📣ACTION: Donate to the NCOSE Law Center

As our survivor clients always remain free of charge, your support is a big part of what makes lawsuits like these possible. Please consider a donation so we can continue fighting for justice for survivors like Jane Doe!

Senator Lindsey Graham Agrees with NCOSE CEO, Dawn Hawkins: “Time’s up for Big Tech!” 

Senators Dick Durbin (D) and Lindsey Graham (R) reached across the aisle, hosting a Bipartisan press conference regarding the necessity for legislation to combat sexual exploitation of children and to hold Big Tech accountable on Wednesday, May 22. 

NCOSE CEO, Dawn Hawkins, was invited to speak about the negative effects of Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act on child victim’s privacy. Senator Graham passionately agreed with Dawn Hawkin’s call for Big Tech to be held accountable, remarking, “Amen.”  
 
Senator Graham and Senator Durbin stand with NCOSE, as evidenced by their passionate statements that there is no more time to wait when it comes to ending sexual exploitation of children online. We must work together to build an internet ecosystem that is healthy, not harmful, for every user. 

Sincerely,