Michigan Proposes Comprehensive Ban on Online Pornography

News Summary

House Republicans in Michigan have introduced House Bill 4938, the ‘Anticorruption of Public Morals Act,’ aiming to ban online pornography statewide. Sponsored by Representative Josh Schriver, the bill enforces strict penalties for distribution, including potential prison sentences of up to 25 years. Additionally, it mandates internet service providers to implement content moderation tools and could make Michigan the first state to enact an outright ban on online adult content. The legislation is part of a broader initiative to regulate online adult content and combat human trafficking.

Lansing, Michigan — A coalition of House Republicans has put forth House Bill 4938, known as the “Anticorruption of Public Morals Act,” which aims to impose a comprehensive ban on online pornography across Michigan. This proposed legislation presents strict measures against distributing materials that depict intercourse, masturbation, and what the bill describes as “a disconnection between biology and gender.” The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee for further consideration.

The lead sponsor, Representative Josh Schriver (R-Oxford), emphasizes that the intentions behind the bill are to “defend children, safeguard our communities, and put families first.” Schriver critiques existing obscenity laws, arguing that they are outdated and that parents and schools currently lack effective tools to restrict minors’ access to pornographic content. This perceived gap in the law is driving the push for more stringent regulations.

If enacted, the bill will prohibit any commercial entity, individual, public institution, or internet platform from knowingly distributing prohibited material online to residents of Michigan. Those found in violation of the regulations could face severe consequences, including prison sentences of up to 20 years and/or fines reaching $100,000 for distributing prohibited material. In cases involving more than 100 pieces of material, offenders could potentially face up to 25 years in prison and/or fines of $125,000.

To enforce this legislation, internet service providers will be required to implement 24/7 content moderation tools capable of scanning and removing prohibited material in real-time. The bill is structured to take effect 90 days after becoming law, should it pass through the legislative process.

In addition to the penalties for distribution, the legislation seeks to include porn distributors in a sex offender registry, highlighting the seriousness with which lawmakers view the implications of online pornography. Should the bill become law, Michigan would position itself as the first state in the United States to entirely ban online pornography. While several other states have enacted age-verification laws for accessing pornographic content, none have implemented a complete ban as proposed in House Bill 4938.

The introduction of this bill coincides with broader efforts in Michigan to regulate online adult content. Notably, recent measures have also targeted AI-generated pornographic deepfakes, reflecting a growing concern over the impact of digital adult content on society.

Furthermore, Representative Schriver has made connections between the restriction of pornography and tackling human trafficking, suggesting that a ban on pornography has the potential to significantly reduce trafficking rates, thereby addressing a critical social issue. The Michigan Democratic Party has been reached out to for a response concerning the proposed legislation, but no comments have yet been made public.

In summary, House Bill 4938 aims to establish a comprehensive ban on online pornography in Michigan, introducing significant legal repercussions for violations, including lengthy prison sentences and hefty fines. The proposed changes would also necessitate upgrades to content moderation practices by internet service providers and would mark a significant shift in the legal handling of online adult content should the bill be passed.

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