http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills info@washingtonwatch.com http://www.pjdoland.com/chai/?v=0.1 http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=19059 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc0"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - (Sec. 3) Defines, for this Act, &amp;quot;United States business&amp;quot; to mean: (1) a company with its principal place of business in the United States or that is organized under the U.S. or state laws; (2) any issuer of a security registered under specified provisions of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and (3) any foreign subsidiary of such entities to the extent such entity controls the voting shares or other equities of the foreign subsidiary or authorizes, directs, controls, or participates in acts carried out by the foreign subsidiary that are prohibited by this Act.</p> <p>&lt;b&gt;Title I: Promotion of Global Internet Freedom - &lt;/b&gt;(Sec. 101) Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the right to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>(Sec. 102) Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports or to identify individual Internet users, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>(Sec. 103) Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require annual assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>(Sec. 104) Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF) to perform various duties, including serving as the focal point for interagency efforts to protect and promote freedom of electronic information abroad and developing and ensuring the implementation of a global strategy and programs to combat state-sponsored and state-directed Internet jamming by authoritarian foreign governments. Authorizes appropriations.</p> <p>(Sec. 105) Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>&lt;b&gt;Title II: Minimum Corporate Standards for Online Freedom - &lt;/b&gt;(Sec. 201) Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within a designated Internet-restricting country, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>(Sec. 202) Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes as determined by the Department of Justice. Establishes a private right of action for violations, allowing damages, including punitive damages, without regard to the amount in controversy and without regard to the citizenship of the parties.</p> <p>(Sec. 203) Requires any U.S. business that creates, provides, or hosts an Internet search engine to provide the OGIF with all terms and parameters used to filter or otherwise affect search results that are implemented because of any direct or indirect communication by any foreign official of an Internet-restricting country or to comply with a policy or practice of restrictions on Internet freedom in an Internet-restricting country.</p> <p>(Sec. 204) Requires U.S. businesses that maintain an Internet content hosting service to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>(Sec. 205) Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>(Sec. 206) Establishes civil and criminal penalties for companies and individuals for violations of various provisions of this Act.</p> <p>(Sec. 207) Authorizes the President to waive the application of certain provisions of this title regarding a U.S. business or an Internet-restricting country. Directs the President to report waivers to Congress.</p> <p>&lt;b&gt;Title III: Export Controls for Internet-Restricting Countries - &lt;/b&gt;(Sec. 301) Directs the Secretary of Commerce to conduct a feasibility study regarding the development of export controls and export licensing requirements relating to any item subject to regulations commonly known as the Export Administration Regulations to an end user in Internet-restricting countries for the purpose of facilitating substantial restrictions on Internet freedom. Requires a related report to appropriate congressional committees.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc1"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 2/22/2008: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 320.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc2"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc3"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 19059@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 06 Mar 2008 19:18:22 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=18754 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc4"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF).</p> <p>Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within such countries, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes.</p> <p>Requires U.S. businesses to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>Requires a feasibility study regarding the development of controls on exporting items facilitating Internet freedom reductions to Internet-restricting countries.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc5"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 2/22/2008: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 320.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc6"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc7"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 18754@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Tue, 26 Feb 2008 19:09:50 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=18255 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc8"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF).</p> <p>Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within such countries, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes.</p> <p>Requires U.S. businesses to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>Requires a feasibility study regarding the development of controls on exporting items facilitating Internet freedom reductions to Internet-restricting countries.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc9"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 2/8/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Feb. 22, 2008.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc10"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc11"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 18255@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 09 Feb 2008 19:05:50 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=17907 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc12"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF).</p> <p>Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within such countries, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes.</p> <p>Requires U.S. businesses to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>Requires a feasibility study regarding the development of controls on exporting items facilitating Internet freedom reductions to Internet-restricting countries.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc13"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 2/1/2008: House Committee on Judiciary Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Feb. 8, 2008.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc14"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc15"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 17907@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Sat, 02 Feb 2008 18:40:21 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=17138 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc16"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF).</p> <p>Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within such countries, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes.</p> <p>Requires U.S. businesses to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>Requires a feasibility study regarding the development of controls on exporting items facilitating Internet freedom reductions to Internet-restricting countries.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc17"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 1/16/2008: Referred to House committee. Status: Referred sequentially to the House Committee on the Judiciary for a period ending not later than Feb. 1, 2008 for consideration of such provisions of the bill and amendment as fall within the jurisdiction of that committee pursuant to clause 1(k), rule X.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc18"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc19"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 17138@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Thu, 17 Jan 2008 18:41:28 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=16987 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc20"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF).</p> <p>Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within such countries, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes.</p> <p>Requires U.S. businesses to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>Requires a feasibility study regarding the development of controls on exporting items facilitating Internet freedom reductions to Internet-restricting countries.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc21"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 1/15/2008: House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Feb. 1, 2008.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc22"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc23"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 16987@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 16 Jan 2008 18:56:16 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=16825 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc24"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF).</p> <p>Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within such countries, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes.</p> <p>Requires U.S. businesses to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>Requires a feasibility study regarding the development of controls on exporting items facilitating Internet freedom reductions to Internet-restricting countries.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc25"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 12/10/2007: House Committee on Energy and Commerce Granted an extension for further consideration ending not later than Jan. 16, 2008.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc26"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc27"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 16825@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Fri, 11 Jan 2008 19:12:37 EST http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=12454 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc28"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF).</p> <p>Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within such countries, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes.</p> <p>Requires U.S. businesses to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>Requires a feasibility study regarding the development of controls on exporting items facilitating Internet freedom reductions to Internet-restricting countries.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc29"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 2/2/2007: Referred to House subcommittee. Status: Referred to the Subcommittee on Commerce, Trade and Consumer Protection.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc30"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc31"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 12454@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:24:39 EDT http://www.washingtonwatch.com/bills/history/110_HR_275.html?rev=12455 <p>H.R. 275 would promote freedom of expression on the Internet and protect United States businesses from coercion to participate in repression by authoritarian foreign governments.</p> <h2 id="toc32"> Detailed Summary </h2> <p>Global Online Freedom Act of 2007 - Declares that it is U.S. policy to: (1) promote the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media; (2) use all appropriate instruments of U.S. influence to support the free flow of information; and (3) deter U.S. businesses from cooperating with Internet-restricting countries in effecting online censorship.</p> <p>Expresses the sense of Congress that: (1) the President should seek international agreements to protect Internet freedom; and (2) some U.S. businesses, in assisting foreign governments to restrict online access to U.S.-supported websites and government reports, are working contrary to U.S. foreign policy interests.</p> <p>Amends the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to require assessments of electronic information freedom in each foreign country.</p> <p>Establishes in the Department of State the Office of Global Internet Freedom (OGIF).</p> <p>Directs the President to annually designate Internet-restricting countries. Prohibits U.S. businesses from locating, within such countries, any electronic communication that contains any personally identifiable information.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that collect or obtain personally identifiable information through the Internet from providing that information to Internet-restricting countries, except for legitimate foreign law enforcement purposes.</p> <p>Requires U.S. businesses to report certain Internet censorship information involving Internet-restricting countries to the OGIF.</p> <p>Prohibits U.S. businesses that maintain Internet content hosting services from jamming of U.S.-supported websites or U.S.-supported content in Internet-restricting countries.</p> <p>Requires a feasibility study regarding the development of controls on exporting items facilitating Internet freedom reductions to Internet-restricting countries.</p> <!--Leave in the 'summary' tags if you want the latest summary from the Congressional Research Service automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc33"> Status of the Legislation </h2> <p>Latest Major Action: 10/23/2007: House committee/subcommittee actions. Status: Ordered to be Reported in the Nature of a Substitute by Voice Vote.</p> <!-- Leave in the 'status' tags if you want the latest reported status from THOMAS automatically to replace the text between the tags once it becomes available. --> <h2 id="toc34"> Points in Favor </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> <h2 id="toc35"> Points Against </h2> <p>(Log in to edit the wiki and be the first to show why the bill should not pass!)<br /> <!-- First editor: Go ahead and take out the sentence in parentheses, and this notice! --> </p> 12455@http://www.washingtonwatch.com Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:24:39 EDT