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H.R.3606 / 104th Congress

Internet Freedom and Child Protection Act of 1996

Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Finance.

Official summary

Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 10, 1996

Internet Freedom and Child Protection Act of 1996 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to repeal provisions prohibiting: (1) using a telecommunications device to make or initiate transmission of an obscene communication to a minor; or (2) using an interactive computer service to send or display to a minor any image or communication that depicts or describes sexual or excretory activities or organs in offensive terms. Requires an Internet access provider, at the time of entering an agreement with a customer for the provision of Internet access services, to offer such customer screening software designed to permit the customer to limit access to material that is unsuitable for children. Requires the Federal Communications Commission to prescribe minimum technical standards for screening such software.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Lofgren, Zoe [D-CA-16] · D–CA

Committees

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

Actions

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  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.3606 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.3606 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.3606 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.3606 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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