April 12, 2018

Manchin Applauds bill Signing To Fight Online Sex Trafficking

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) applauded the bill signing of legislation he cosponsored, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017. This legislation will allow state authorities to combat websites facilitating sex trafficking.

“For too long, sex traffickers have been able to use the darkest corners of the internet to traffic young people and commit unconscionable violence. These websites are also guilty of these crimes and must be held accountable. These victims not only deserve their day in court against the people who trafficked them but also against the websites that perpetrated these crimes and created an avenue for these criminals. This law will also help stop human trafficking and protect young women and girls against these unimaginable atrocities. Human trafficking has become a 21st century crime and I’m glad that we will finally have the 21st century tools and law to combat it,” Senator Manchin said.  

Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 would specifically:

  • Clarify Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act (CDA) of 1934, ensuring that websites that facilitate sex trafficking can be held liable.
  • Allow victims of sex trafficking to seek justice against websites that facilitated the crimes against them.
  • Eliminate federal liability protections for websites that assist, support, or facilitate a violation of federal sex trafficking laws.
  • Enable state law enforcement officials, not just the federal Department of Justice, to take action against individuals or businesses that violate federal sex trafficking laws.

###