By subjecting certain types of constitutionally protected speech on the Internet to criminal sanctions, these amendments could have a chilling effect on the free-speech rights of Americans using computer networks for communication. They could have a similar effect on the economic and technological development of this communications frontier.
Predictor: Feingold, Russell
Prediction, in context:In 1995 Sen. Russell Feingold, D-Wisc., wrote an article for Network World in which he responds to the proposed telecommunications bill which included the Communications Decency Act sponsored by Sen. James Exon, D-Neb. Feingold writes: ”The telecommunications bill will be a hybrid of S.652, a Senate bill that includes the Communications Decency Act … and H.R.1555, the House bill that contains a similar amendment … Both amendments attempt to control communications via computer systems, including those across the Internet. By subjecting certain types of constitutionally protected speech on the Internet to criminal sanctions, these amendments could have a chilling effect on the free-speech rights of Americans using computer networks for communication. They could have a similar effect on the economic and technological development of this communications frontier. This issue presents several difficult problems for lawmakers. First, many legislators must be educated about the nature and extent of the problem, as well as the available remedies. The Communications Decency Act passed the Senate with little debate and no formal congressional hearing, so few senators were aware of what they were approving. Second, it is difficult to explain to many people, including lawmakers, the significant difference between what is obscene and what is merely indecent, and that the law treats these differently. Trying to explain the difference, and defending free speech, opens the door to charges of coddling child pornographers. While unfair and untrue, such charges are potent political poison. Third, there is an understandable tendency among lawmakers to act immediately when presented with a problem that involves protecting children. However, legislators must understand there is a time to act and a time to show restraint.”
Biography:Russell Feingold was a member of the U.S. Senate who was key in Internet discussions in the early 1990s. (Legislator/Politician/Lawyer.)
Date of prediction: December 11, 1995
Topic of prediction: Controversial Issues
Subtopic: Censorship/Free Speech
Name of publication: Network World
Title, headline, chapter name: New Law Would be a Setback for Free Speech
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
http://web.lexis.nexis.com/universe/document?_m=915f3c55697c11954b6c8fdde0427854
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Anderson, Janna Quitney