• Background
• Debate
• Country Comparison
• Recent Developments

Background

• The Securing Adolescents From Exploitation-Online Act of 2007 or the SAFE Act of 2007 requires any entity providing some form of internet access to monitor and report possible child pornography infractions. This includes, but is not limited to, individuals, internet service providers, coffee shops, and libraries.
• The regulation requires any service provider to provide (1) information on the Internet identity of a suspected sex offender, including the electronic mail address, website address, uniform resource locater (URL), or other identifying information; (2) the time child pornography was uploaded or discovered; (3) geographic location information for the offender; and (4) images of such child pornography. This bill modifies the definition of child pornography to include fully clothed minors in "lewd" poses and to include drawings or sculptures (such as some forms of Anime).
• Failure to comply results in fines up to $150,000 for a first offense and $300,000 for any subsequent offenses.

Debate

Pro

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Con

• The bill is considered too broad due to the changing of definition of child pornography. The bill requires service providers to keep child pornography on file when reporting infractions. The bill may be an undue burden on small organizations (such as independent coffee shops).
• The bill was rushed to vote through methods that are reserved for emergency legislation. As there are already some forms of reporting requirements in place, it is questionable as to why it was rushed with little debate.

Country Comparison

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Recent Developments

• On Wednesday, December 5, 2007, the House passed the bill with a 409 - 2 vote, with only Rep Ron Paul (R-Texas) and Rep Paul Broun (R-Georgia) voting against.