EPIC STATEMENT ON COMMUNICATIONS DECENCY ACT

March 24, 1995

The Electronic Privacy Information Center opposes the Communications Decency Act as adopted by the Senate Commerce Committee on March 24, 1995. We believe that the bill is an unconstitutional restriction on free expression, personal privacy, and intellectual freedom.

EPIC has urged Senator Exon and his staff to explore all non-legislative solutions before further action on this bill. Comprehensive hearings are still necessary. We recognize that there is a genuine concern about the type of materials that are available to children via the Internet. EPIC also believes that a thoughtful, long-term solution to this problem will require the participation of parents and schools, and the development of good technical and educational measures. We do not believe that the contents of private communication or the expression of public opinion should be regulated by the government

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has produced a fine publication for parents and others who are concerned about these issues. This brochure, "Child Safety on the Information Highway," was written by Lawrence J. Magid, a syndicated columnist for the Los Angeles Times. Mr. Magid encourages parents to take an active interest in the on-line activities of their children, and opposes passage of the Communications Decency Act. For a copy of the brochure, contact The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children 2101 Wilson Blvd, Suite 550, Arlington, VA 22201-3052 or call 1-800-The-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

EPIC will continue to oppose the Communications Decency Act. We urge others to do the same.