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- New bill would require sellers to install digital blocking capabilities in computers
- Prostitution and sex trafficking sites would also be blocked using device
- Manufacturers could opt out by paying an additional $20 per computer or other device sold without blocking system
- Could similar bills be introduced targeting online gambling?
South Carolina state Rep. Bill Chumley, a Republican, has introduced legislation that would require state sellers of computers to install digital blocking capabilities on computers and devices that access the Internet in order to prevent the viewing of obscene material such as porn.
The bill would also prohibit access to any online hub that facilitates prostitution and/or sex trafficking. In recent years, popular websites like Craigslist and the Village Voice have come under fire for seemingly promoting prostitution. In 2012, the Village Voice caved into pressure and ultimately cut ties with its prostitution hub Backpage.
The South Carolina bill would fine manufacturers that sell a device without the blocking system but could be covered by opting out with a requirement to pay $20 addition for each device sold.
Buyers could also verify their age and pay $20 to remove the filter.
The bills suggests the manufacturing opt-out fee and/or the consumer age verification charge could be used towards the Attorney General’s Office’s human trafficking task force.
This all begs the question: Could a similar bill targeting online gambling be next?
South Carolina probably won’t be the state to do it as even the penalty for Aggravated Gambling is considered a misdemeanor, though the state does not exactly embrace gambling. There is no live poker while in-home poker games are considered illegal. Casinos can only be found on ships that dock in South Carolina. Horse racing is also not available in the state.
Proponents for Internet freedoms won a big battle when it was determined this past week that Quebec lawmakers will find it close to impossible to block access to online gambling websites without first consulting with the Canadian Radio-televisions and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), an organization responsible for preventing such legislation from moving forward.
- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com
