US lawmakers proposed legislation Thursday that could see internet companies held legally responsible for content on their platforms if they don't do enough to police child pornography.
Senators from both parties, backed by the Department of Justice, said that existing laws immunizing internet hosts like social media companies from liability for user-posted content have allowed child pornography to proliferate.
But some legislators, Silicon Valley giants and civil liberties groups say the legislation could lead to broad censorship, by opening the door to prosecuting internet companies over any illegal content posted or exchanged by their customers.
They also say the legislation, and the Justice Department's push for it, could be used to undermine online popular encryption services that stymie law enforcement investigations.
The legislation says companies would have to "earn" their liability protection, with a commission of government, industry, legal and victim groups representatives certifying their compliance.
"Everybody has an interest in fighting child abuse. The guys in this industry say we can do it, and we are going to do it by observing certain standards," Senator Richard Blumenthal, one of the bill's sponsors, told AFP.
"The internet is infested with this criminal conduct, and the images, and photos, and video of it. That's our target."
The bill would create a national commission with 19 members, including the heads of the Justice and Homeland Security department, who would set "best practices."
- Rise in internet child porn -
Companies that adhere to the committee's guidelines would maintain their immunity, while those that don't could be prosecuted or sued by victims.
"Technology has made it easier to produce, conceal, and distribute child sexual abuse materials," Attorney General Bill Barr said Thursday at ..
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