[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 155 (Friday, December 15, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2233]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 THE RESPONSIBLE MONITORING ACT OF 2000

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                           HON. CHRIS CANNON

                                of utah

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2000

  Mr. CANNON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the ``Responsible 
Monitoring Act of 2000.'' This bill is intended to make the Internet a 
better, safer place by encouraging voluntary efforts to detect and stop 
illegal activities. This legislation would provide real incentives for 
responsible monitoring by ``E-commerce'' businesses that host consumer-
to-consumer transactions on their web sites. Allowing e-companies to 
monitor their sites and remove illegal goods and services offered for 
sale by others, is the right approach for a better Internet. 
Unfortunately, current law actually discourages E-commerce companies 
from even looking for illegal activity on their sites. Under current 
law ignorance is bliss, and those companies most active in protecting 
their users are most at risk. This situation must be changed.
  I realize that this bill will not be acted upon in the 106th Congress 
prior to adjournment, but I believe it is crucial to put the issue 
before the House now to get members thinking about a solution. As long 
as e-companies remain under the threat of litigation they will be 
reluctant to self monitor. I will reintroduce similar legislation in 
the 107th Congress and request hearings. I am aware, however, that 
content providers, privacy advocates, and others have concerns about 
this issue. I would like to invite all concerned parties to work with 
us in the next Congress to find a workable solution that addresses all 
concerns and encourages voluntary, responsible monitoring on the 
Internet.

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