ECPAT-USA Endorses the EARN IT Act
ECPAT-USA, the nation's leader in combating child exploitation and trafficking, today endorsed the Eliminating Abusive and Rampant Neglect of Interactive Technologies (EARN IT) Act of 2020.
"Online exploitation of children in the United States is rampant and only getting worse," said Lori L. Cohen, Executive Director of ECPAT-USA. If enacted, the EARN IT Act will establish a National Commission on Online Child Sexual Exploitation Prevention that will be tasked with incorporating a best practice standard for online platforms. "NCMEC reported over 45 million child sex abuse material images existed in 2018; without stronger guidelines, this appalling number will only increase," said Cohen. "ECPAT-USA joins the dozens of other NGOs in supporting this legislation, and thanks Senator Graham and Senator Blumenthal for their continued efforts in combating this horrific crime. We will continue to do everything we can to support strong legislation so that the internet is a safe platform for Americans to use without the fear of being sold, exploited or trafficked.”
Join us in speaking out against the online exploitation by contacting your senator and asking them to support the EARN IT Act. Suggested language is below:
“Dear Senator XXXX,
I am writing to urge you to support S. 3398, the EARN IT Act, sponsored by your colleagues Senator Graham and Senator Blumenthal. The explosion of online crimes against the most vulnerable is an epidemic. In 2018, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reported over 45,000,000 images of child sex abuse materials exist. This appalling number will only increase if swift action is not taken. The EARN IT Act mandates a commission to be formed to recommend best practices to decrease the online exploitation of children to the Attorney General. This legislation is bipartisan and is strongly supported by ECPAT-USA, the nation's leader in combating child exploitation and trafficking.
As your constituent, I urge you to support this vitally important legislation.”
A copy of the EARN IT Act can be found here. And you can learn more about our work with legislators here.