Protecting Children from Peer-to-Peer Pornography Act of 2003
Latest action (24 Jul 2003): Introduced
What this bill does
H.R. 2885, the "Protecting Children from Peer-to-Peer Pornography Act of 2003," would regulate the distribution of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-trading software in interstate commerce. It directs the Federal Trade Commission to define "peer-to-peer file trading software" by regulation and to require distributors to provide clear warnings about pornography and security risks, verify a recipient's age (or obtain verifiable parental consent for minors), check for a "do-not-install" beacon signaling parental refusal, comply with children's online privacy law, allow easy uninstallation, and limit certain automatic software functions (such as acting as a network "supernode" or disabling security software) without user notice and consent. Foreign distributors would need a U.S. agent for legal service. The FTC would enforce violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and states could also bring civil enforcement actions. The FTC would additionally have to develop technical standards for "do-not-install" beacons and produce annual reports on P2P-related risks and compliance.
The bill would affect companies and individuals that distribute P2P software, as well as users—particularly minors and parents—by imposing new consent, notice, and safety requirements aimed at limiting children's exposure to pornography and privacy/security risks through such software.
The bill was introduced in the House on July 24, 2003, by Rep. Joseph Pitts and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. According to official records, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 108th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Protecting Children from Peer-to-Peer Pornography Act of 2003 - Makes it unlawful for any person to distribute peer-to-peer file trading software, or to authorize or cause such software to be distributed by another person, in interstate commerce in a manner that violates regulations promulgated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) under this Act. Requires inclusion in such regulations of: (1) an appropriate definition of such software; and (2) requirements that any person who distributes such software provide notice that its use may expose the user to pornography, illegal activities, and computer security and privacy threats.
Requires the FTC to develop and make readily available to the public functional requirements for standard "do not install" beacons that allow parents to record on their computers their desire that users not install such software on their computers.
Authorizes enforcement actions through the FTC or by States.
Directs the FTC to conduct a study concerning such software, including the availability of child pornography using such software, security and privacy threats posed by such software, use of such software by juveniles, and the ability of parents to control access to and use of such software by juveniles.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 2885 do?
- H.R. 2885, the "Protecting Children from Peer-to-Peer Pornography Act of 2003," would regulate the distribution of peer-to-peer (P2P) file-trading software in interstate commerce. It directs the Federal Trade Commission to define "peer-to-peer file trading software" by regulation and to require distributors to provide clear warnings about pornography and security risks, verify a recipient's age (or obtain verifiable parental consent for minors), check for a "do-not-install" beacon signaling parental refusal, comply with children's online privacy law, allow easy uninstallation, and limit certain automatic software functions (such as acting as a network "supernode" or disabling security software) without user notice and consent. Foreign distributors would need a U.S. agent for legal service. The FTC would enforce violations as unfair or deceptive practices, and states could also bring civil enforcement actions. The FTC would additionally have to develop technical standards for "do-not-install" beacons and produce annual reports on P2P-related risks and compliance. The bill would affect companies and individuals that distribute P2P software, as well as users—particularly minors and parents—by imposing new consent, notice, and safety requirements aimed at limiting children's exposure to pornography and privacy/security risks through such software. The bill was introduced in the House on July 24, 2003, by Rep. Joseph Pitts and referred to the Committee on Energy and Commerce. According to official records, it did not receive a vote and did not advance further in the 108th Congress.
- Has H.R. 2885 become law?
- Not yet. As of 24 Jul 2003, H.R. 2885 is introduced.
- Who sponsored H.R. 2885?
- H.R. 2885 was sponsored by Rep. Joseph Pitts [R-PA16, 1997-2016] (Republican-PA), with 32 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 2885?
- Introduced (24 Jul 2003).
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