December 8, 2007 | Sex & Society

Big brother looking for squealers

The US government is looking for recruits in its war on porn. A new law which was rushed through the House of Representatives requires any company or organization operating a public Wi-Fi connection to monitor and report illegal images sent using the service. Failure to do so can result in an initial fine of $150,000, increasing to $300,000 for any additional offenses.

The Securing Adolescents From Exploitation-Online (SAFE) Act is supposedly designed to combat child porn. But it also forces Internet Service Providers, libraries, coffee shops and hotels to be partners in the government's increasing reach into citizens' private lives. They want to know what you're downloading, and when, even though you aren't straying into illegal territory.

House law makers used a system designed to push legislation through as quickly as possible. The SAFE Act did not receive a hearing, was never voted on in committee and was not put up for public review. The vote passed 409 to 2.

The law must still pass the Senate and be signed by the President. Since the government always knows what's best for us, we're not worried at all.