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H.R. 3781 (104th): To require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to update its report on hate speech, especially as it relates to hate speech on the Internet, and for other purposes.

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The text of the bill below is as of Jul 10, 1996 (Introduced). The bill was not enacted into law.

HR 3781 IH

104th CONGRESS

2d Session

H. R. 3781

To require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to update its report on hate speech, especially as it relates to hate speech on the Internet, and for other purposes.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

July 10, 1996

Mr. ZIMMER introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Commerce

A BILL

To require the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to update its report on hate speech, especially as it relates to hate speech on the Internet, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

    The Congress finds the following:

      (1) The World Wide Web, a relatively new Internet technology, is attracting a rapidly growing audience. The global nature of the Internet permits the Web to reach a worldwide audience. Web publishing is fairly inexpensive and simple. Its broad reach, low costs and relatively easy-to-master technology have made the World Wide Web an ideal propaganda vehicle for hate and extremist groups.

      (2) As computers become less expensive, simpler to use, and consequently more common in American homes, as the barriers to disseminating information through computers falls, bigots of all kinds are rushing to use the power of modern technology to spread their propaganda.

      (3) Traditional hate groups have established propaganda sites on the World Wide Web.

      (4) Holocaust deniers are also using the Web.

      (5) A new type of hater, young and computer literate, has become prominent on the Web. The ease of access creates opportunities for young, previously unknown haters and hate groups, to promote themselves and become active anti-Semitic and racist propagandists. These individuals and groups have, from time to time, used the facilities of both public and private universities.

SEC. 2. REPORT UPDATE REQUIRED.

    Section 155 of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

    ‘(c) FOLLOW-UP REPORT REQUIRED-

      ‘(1) CONTENTS OF REPORT- Within 240 days after the date of enactment of this subsection, the NTIA, with the assistance of the Commission, the Department of Justice, and the United States Commission on Civil Rights, shall prepare a report--

        ‘(A) analyzing the use of the Internet and other interactive communications media for the dissemination of propaganda advocating hatred on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, or sex;

        ‘(B) evaluating the extent to which such propaganda is accessible to minors, and the extent to which software or other measures are available to protect minors from such propaganda; and

        ‘(C) including any recommendations that such agencies deem appropriate.

      ‘(2) SUBMISSION OF REPORT- The report required by paragraph (1) shall be submitted to the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate.’.