Engine Remains Opposed to the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act

Engine remains opposed to the Stop Enabling Sex Traffickers Act (SESTA). While the bill sponsors have made improvements to some of the drafting problems in the original language, the changes do not address many of the startup community's concerns. The bill still creates uncertainty for platforms regarding their obligations under the law and potentially penalizes startups for content that they are unaware of and cannot control. Platforms will likely be discouraged from taking steps to proactively fight trafficking for fear of exposing themselves to criminal charges and meritless civil litigation. We remain confident that the straightforward fixes that we have suggested will provide greater certainty for startups while still giving law enforcement and victims the tools needed to fight sex trafficking. We encourage the bill sponsors to consider a full range of solutions and are eager to continue the important work of improving the bill.