SINC Act of 2010
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (27 Jan 2010): Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
What this bill does
The Standards for Internet Non-Censorship Act of 2010, or SINC Act, expresses Congress's view that the President should set standards for Internet search providers to prevent censorship of nonviolent political speech. The bill also proposes creating programs to limit access to U.S. online information for providers found to be censoring such content. Additionally, it suggests that international solutions involving "free countries" are needed, and the President should work with them to adopt these non-censorship standards.
The bill would authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to start the process of creating rules that could restrict "repressive Internet search providers" from accessing domestic online information. If such rules are adopted, the FCC would be required to create a public website detailing these providers and the reasons for their designation. The Secretary of State would also be directed to seek agreements with other free countries to adopt similar non-censorship standards.
This bill, H.R. 4504, was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2010 and is currently in the "Introduced" status. It has been referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs. No further action has been taken since its introduction.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Standards for Internet Non-Censorship Act of 2010 or the SINC Act of 2010 - Declares it to be the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should establish interim minimum standards of non-censorship for Internet search providers and create programs to restrict access to domestic online information by providers determined to be censoring nonviolent political speech; (2) any long-term solution to the problem of the censorship of nonviolent political speech on the Internet must include minimum standards of non-censorship set by a coalition of free countries; and (3) the President should negotiate with free countries to adopt minimum standards for non-censorship of nonviolent political speech as a condition for access to the Internet.
Authorizes the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to begin a proceeding to adopt regulations to restrict repressive Internet search providers from accessing domestic online information.
Requires the FCC, if it adopts such regulations, to develop, operate, and maintain a public website that lists repressive providers and the reasons for finding that the providers were repressive.
Authorizes the FCC to enforce the regulations using any existing enforcement authority to prevent collusion to evade the regulations.
Directs the Secretary of State to seek to enter into agreements with free countries to adopt minimum standards. Authorizes the FCC to begin a proceeding to adopt regulations to restrict or prevent entities that operate outside of any such agreements from accessing domestic online information.
Timeline
27 Jan 2010
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet.
Common questions
- What does H.R. 4504 do?
- The Standards for Internet Non-Censorship Act of 2010, or SINC Act, expresses Congress's view that the President should set standards for Internet search providers to prevent censorship of nonviolent political speech. The bill also proposes creating programs to limit access to U.S. online information for providers found to be censoring such content. Additionally, it suggests that international solutions involving "free countries" are needed, and the President should work with them to adopt these non-censorship standards. The bill would authorize the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to start the process of creating rules that could restrict "repressive Internet search providers" from accessing domestic online information. If such rules are adopted, the FCC would be required to create a public website detailing these providers and the reasons for their designation. The Secretary of State would also be directed to seek agreements with other free countries to adopt similar non-censorship standards. This bill, H.R. 4504, was introduced in the House of Representatives in January 2010 and is currently in the "Introduced" status. It has been referred to the House Committees on Energy and Commerce, and Foreign Affairs. No further action has been taken since its introduction.
- Has H.R. 4504 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for H.R. 4504. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored H.R. 4504?
- H.R. 4504 was sponsored by Rep. Foster, Bill [D-IL-14] (D-IL), with 2 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on H.R. 4504?
- Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology, and the Internet. (27 Jan 2010).
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