Opening Statement of Rep. Tom Bliley.
Re: Markup of HR 3783, "Online Child Protection Act".
Date: September 17, 1998.
Source: House Commerce Committee.

Opening Statement of the Honorable Tom Bliley
Chairman, Committee on Commerce
Subcommittee Mark-up of H.R. 3783
The Child Online Protection Act
September 17, 1998

Thank you Mr. Chairman.

As the Committee has learned during the course of the 105th Congress, the Internet, and consequently, electronic commerce, will only continue to develop if it is safe, secure, and private. Consumers are less likely to engage in commerce on-line, or purchase access to the Internet for that matter, if they believe that their credit card numbers can be easily stolen, or if their children will be easily exposed to pornography on the Web. H.R. 3783 addresses the "safety" of the Internet and provides an effective means to protect children online.

One cannot freely use the Net today without being exposed to Web sites that contain material that is inappropriate for children. There are thousands of adult Web sites promoting pornography on the Internet and folks not seeking pornography stumble upon it by mistake. For this reason, legislation is necessary to protect a child's exposure to inappropriate material.

At the Subcommittee's hearing last week, there seemed to be a general agreement among the panelists that material harmful to minors needs to be restricted. The panelists did not agree, however, on when to act, or how such actions should be taken. In particular, the opponents of legislation argue that industry needs more time to find technical solutions. Similarly, advocates opposed to legislation argue that any attempt by Congress to regulate in this area will be held unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. While I respect these views, the problem of pornography on the Internet is already troubling and children getting access to it is much worse. Parents and educators do not have the luxury of debating the issues for another year.

As I understand the intent of H.R. 3783, it does not prohibit adults from engaging in adult conversations in chat rooms, e-mails, or bulletin board services. This recognizes the powerful soapbox that the Internet has become for all Americans. In that sense, H.R. 3783 strikes a balance between the First Amendment rights of adults and our compelling interest to protect children.

To date, parental control software and voluntary industry efforts to self-regulate have not proven effective. H.R. 3783 provides a workable solution to a difficult social and psychological problem. Legislation will not solve all the problems, however. Parents, educators, and industry must play a role to ensure that kids have productive learning experiences about healthy sexual development.

I thank Mr. Oxley for his leadership on this important issue and I look forward to working with the Members as this bill moves through the legislative process.