House Bill Would Create Voluntary Seal of Approval for Internet Service Providers

Feb 25, 2008 by Jeff Robinson

ISPs Unlikely to Sign Up, Says XMission Founder

(KCPW News) Utah Internet Service Providers could receive a seal of approval from the state Department of Commerce if they meet certain conditions, under a bill approved today by the House Government Operations Committee. The question is, would any providers be interested in signing up? The sponsor, Republican Representative Michael Morley from Spanish Fork, says the bill allows ISPs to show the public where they stand on pornography.

"Basically, it's a voluntary program for ISPs who are willing to say that they will not host pornography," he said. "It allows consumers to look at those kinds of products, when they're looking for an ISP, to support those who are making a statement that they're not willing to support pornography."

But that's not all providers would have to do to receive the seal of approval. They would also have to agree to turn over the records of users who have used their services for illegal activity to law enforcement. The bill would also fine participating ISPs $10,000 for violating the terms of the seal, although receiving the seal is voluntary to begin with.

XMission founder Pete Ashdown says he wouldn't sign up for this seal of approval.

"It would mandate that I hand over information about my customers without a court order to law enforcement, just on mere suspicion, and I still believe in the Fourth Amendment in this country," he said.

Ashdown also says in order to earn the seal of approval, he'd have to log more information about his customers, although the bill doesn't provide any means for him to do so. The XMission founder believes legislation likes this makes Utahns look ignorant about technology. XMission is a KCPW underwriter.

Email to a friendPosted in KCPW Newsroom. Copyright 2008 KCPW