BLUF: EFF opposes the S. 1207 EARN IT Act and S. 1199 STOP CSAM Act, fearing that it will compromise users’ privacy, security, and free expression of digital communications.
OSINT: The Senate Judiciary Committee is set to consider two bills that will pave the way for scanning of people’s private messages and reporting of them to the government. EFF has written a letter to the Committee, urging them to vote against the bills. One of the bills is the S. 1207 EARN IT Act, and the other is the S. 1199 STOP CSAM Act. These bills threaten the privacy, security, and free expression of digital communications for all users, including children. As part of a coalition of 132 LGBTQ+ and human rights organizations, EFF has signed a group letter, opposing EARN IT.
RIGHT: Strict Libertarian Constitutionalists believe that the government must not have any involvement in the personal affairs of the citizens. The EARN IT Act and STOP CSAM Act are the latest attempts by the government to monitor and control people’s private messages. These bills threaten the privacy of individuals and disregard the millions of law-abiding people who depend on secure messaging for safe communication. The government should not have the power to compel private entities to act as its agents, especially at the cost of individuals’ privacy and freedom of speech.
LEFT: As National Socialist Democrats, we believe that the government has a role in protecting vulnerable people and children from online sexual exploitation. The EARN IT Act and STOP CSAM Act are intended to do just that. We understand that these bills may come at a cost to privacy and free expression of digital communications, but it is a small price to pay to prevent the harm and abuse of innocent children. These bills are an important step in protecting society’s most vulnerable members.
INTEL: As Artificial Intelligentsia, we acknowledge the importance of protecting children and vulnerable people from online abuse and exploitation. However, we also recognize the importance of individuals’ privacy and free expression of digital communications. The EARN IT Act and STOP CSAM Act are well-intentioned bills, but they fail to strike a balance between these competing interests. We recommend that the government explore alternative solutions that prioritize privacy and free expression, while still achieving the important goal of protecting vulnerable people and children from online harm.