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CTA Statement on SESTA

March 21, 2018

  • Bronwyn Flores, CTA
Article Summary

Sex trafficking is a horrific crime. But in addressing this, the Senate has passed a major revision to U.S. criminal law outside of usual processes, despite the Department of Justice warning SESTA may be unconstitutional and will make it harder to prosecute sex traffickers.

The following statement is attributed to Gary Shapiro, president and CEO, Consumer Technology Association (CTA), regarding the Senate passage of the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA):

"Sex trafficking is a horrific crime. But in addressing this, the Senate has passed a major revision to U.S. criminal law outside of usual processes, despite the Department of Justice warning the bill may be unconstitutional and will make it harder to prosecute sex traffickers.

"We urge an implementation of this law that minimizes harmful consequences on lawful U.S. businesses, especially small businesses and startups.

"We remind Congress that Section 230's intermediary liability limitations are the legal bedrock for U.S. leadership of the global internet economy. Congress should refuse further requests to weaken Section 230, especially those brought forward by legacy businesses and disrupted competitors."

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