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H.R.1978 / 104th Congress

Internet Freedom and Family Empowerment Act

Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 30, 1995

Internet Freedom and Family Empowerment Act - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to establish Government policy promoting continued development of the Internet and other interactive computer services and media and preserving the competitive free market existing for them. Addresses concerns over objectionable materials on such services, sexual (including child sexual exploitation) and otherwise. Shields the service provider and user from: (1) treatment as publisher or speaker of any information provided by an information content provider; and (2) liability for good faith actions taken to restrict access to such materials. Declares that nothing in this Act shall be construed to authorize Federal Communications Commission regulation of the content of such services.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Cox, Christopher [R-CA-47] · R–CA

Committees

  • Energy and Commerce Committee
5 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.

  1. Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance.

  2. Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.

  3. Introduced in House

  4. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.

Related bills identified by Congress.gov

No related bills are listed in this snapshot. This does not establish whether the proposal has appeared in earlier Congresses.

Source last updated: Aug 21, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.1978 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.1978 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.1978 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.1978 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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