Bono Provision for Internet Safety Passes House

Press Release

BONO PROVISION FOR INTERNET SAFETY PASSES HOUSE

Washington, Nov 13 - Today, Congresswoman Mary Bono (CA-45) applauds House passage of the SAFER NET Act of 2007 (H.R. 3461), which includes a provision attached by Bono during an Energy and Commerce Committee Markup, to promote internet safety. The SAFER Net Act was overwhelmingly approved by the House of Representatives (398-6). Bono's amendment would enhance online safety efforts by creating an "Online Safety Working Group" to review such issues as crimes against children, child pornography, education initiatives and currently available technologies that allow parents to better shield their children from what they deem inappropriate material.

"In recent decades, the Internet has transformed our lives," said Bono. "It has become a valuable, even necessary, tool for almost every aspect of life - conducting business, staying in touch with family and friends, education, and much more. Unfortunately, the Internet is also used by criminals who would harm us and our children."

"My provision will compliment the original text of the bill - the Federal Trade Commission onguardonline.gov awareness campaign - by adding a private sector component to the bill. Only through a collaborative effort among the government, parents, and the private sector can we develop effective solutions to protect individuals online."

Bono's provision strengthens the SAFER NET Act by establishing the "Online Safety Working Group" to enhance and evaluate efforts in the private sector to promote Internet safety. These include a review of (1) industry efforts to promote online safety through education, technology, and other initiatives to promote a safe online environment for children; (2) industry efforts with respect to reporting child pornography; (3) retention records in connection with crimes against children; and (4) development of technologies to help parents shield their children from inappropriate material.

Bono is a co-sponsor of the SAFER NET Act, which would improve access to information on internet safety and raise awareness about predators and other dangers on the Web.

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