AeA Applauds Passage of New York e-STOP Legislation

Washington, DC (February 13, 2008) – The New York State Senate yesterday passed a bill designed to protect children from sexual predators online. Introduced by State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo on January 31, 2008, the Electronic Security and Targeting of Online Predators (e-STOP) bill requires convicted sex offenders to register their e-mail addresses and the names they use to identify themselves on social networking sites. The bill passed unanimously, with a vote of 59-0. AeA applauds the New York State Senate for the passage of this bill, and commends Andrew Cuomo for his dedication to the protection of children from sexual predators online.

Christopher Hansen, AeA’s President and CEO said, “AeA applauds Attorney General Cuomo for his role in the creation of a necessary legislative tool that will assist in identifying and removing sexual predators from social networking sites.”

The e-STOP bill, introduced last week with bipartisan support in the Senate and Assembly, is the nation’s most comprehensive legislation to deal with the threat of sexual predators on the Internet. It also creates the country’s first mandatory ban on sexual predators from social networking sites.

Hansen continued, “To remove the nefarious actors who seek to do our children harm, a strong partnership must exist between law enforcement and industry. Recognizing that no single governmental entity or business can overcome these obstacles, Attorney General Cuomo has demonstrated tremendous leadership in developing partnerships that are best prepared to meet this complex and evolving challenge. It is our hope that the New York State Assembly and Governor Spitzer follow suit, so this important bill will be signed into law.”

AeA and its member companies care deeply about ensuring a safe online environment for all users – especially children. We acknowledge there is no single solution to best protect children online, but that it requires a multi-faceted approach that includes technology, education, and partnerships with law enforcement. The e-STOP bill is positive step and a good example for other states to help protect our children online.

For more information on AeA’s state government affairs program, and online safety, please visit www.aeanet.org/sga.


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About AeA
AeA, the nation’s largest technology trade association representing all segments of the high-tech industry, is dedicated solely to helping our members’ top line and bottom line. We do this in partnership with our small, medium, and large member companies by lobbying governments at the state, federal, and international levels, providing access to capital and business opportunities, and offering select business services and networking programs. For more information, please visit www.aeanet.org.

This page was last updated on 02/13/08.