Preventing rampant online technological exploitation and criminal trafficking
The bill mandates that covered platform operators must verify the age and consent of individuals before allowing any pornographic images to be uploaded. Operators who fail to comply will face civil penalties, and individuals affected by such violations can pursue legal action for damages. Additionally, the legislation requires the establishment of procedures for victims to request the removal of unauthorized content and empowers the attorney general to ensure compliance. Overall, this bill is expected to have significant implications for how online platforms manage content and their liability in cases of exploitation.
House Bill 3818, presented by Representative Manny Cruz, aims to combat online technological exploitation and criminal trafficking. This legislation introduces a new chapter (93M) in the General Laws of Massachusetts that establishes various definitions regarding consent, covered platforms, and the responsibilities of platform operators. A notable aspect of this bill is its emphasis on creating a legal framework to prosecute those involved in the unauthorized publication of intimate visual depictions of individuals. It seeks to address the growing concerns about the non-consensual dissemination of pornographic materials online and aims to provide recourse for victims of such exploitation.
While the bill has garnered support for its focus on protecting individuals from online exploitation, there could be points of contention regarding its implementation and the potential for overreach. Critics may argue that the provisions regarding consent verification may be burdensome for legitimate proprietors of online platforms and could inadvertently hinder freedom of expression. Furthermore, balancing the enforcement of stricter regulations against the operational aspects of digital content hosting services will likely be debated among lawmakers and stakeholders in the technology sector.