The Graham-Blumenthal Bill, also known as the “EARN IT Act” is a threat to privacy and freedom of speech. The bill is being introduced in the USA by senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT). While it attempts to face a serious issue, child exploitation, it truly fails to provide any real solutions. We can’t help but say that this is a misguided attack on internet privacy and free speech. It’s also a clear attack on encryption in general.
Why it is cause for concern
The EARN IT Act intends to create a “National Commission on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Prevention” which would implement a set of “best practices” for internet platforms. These best practices become legal requirements. While this seems noble, if those best practices aren’t followed, free speech legal protections are stripped from that platform. In turn, this forces platforms to adhere to the anti-privacy and anti-speech stance we’ve seen the US government take. It no doubt would be used to undermine end-to-end encryption. The opinions we’ve seen come from US government officials also show a true lack of understanding for the field of technology. For example, Attorney General William Barr has repeatedly pushed for backdoors in encryption.
Where can I find out more?
We recommend reading the Electronic Frontier Foundation’s article on the proposed bill, click it below.
The Graham-Blumenthal Bill Is an Attack on Online Speech and Security.
They go over all of the details and explain the real dangers this bill could introduce.
What can I do?
The EFF has setup a page where you can find your representatives and contact them to let them know that you oppose the bill. Link below.
Protect our Speech and Security Online: Reject the Graham-Blumenthal Bill.
We also urge you to support the EFF in their battle to defend our privacy and free speech!