Bill calls for porn block on computers sold in South Carolina
But both seller and buyers can get around the digital filters by paying the state a $20 fee per device.
Good luck finding it on your new computer, buddy!
A newly proposed law in South Carolina, called the Human Trafficking Prevention Act, would make it illegal to sell a computer without a porn filter ... unless you pay the state a fee.
The bill, pre-filed this month by state Rep. Bill Chumley, would require manufacturers or sellers to install digital blocking capabilities on devices to prevent the viewing of obscene content. This applies to computers as well as hand-held devices that can access the internet.
Sellers can avoid the filter by paying the state a $20 opt-out fee for every device sold. Buyers who want to lift the filter after purchasing a device can also pay a $20 fee -- after they request in writing the filter be disabled, verify they're 18 or older and acknowledge receipt of a written warning about the potential dangers of disabling the blocker. So, you know, just a couple of hoops.
Money collected would go toward the Attorney General's Office's human trafficking task force.
Rep. Chumley told local news site GoUpState.com that the "human trafficking thing has exploded. It's gotten to be a real problem." Chumley said the effort would combat crimes against children and protect children from exposure to sexually explicit materials.
The bill has been referred to the House Judiciary Committee and state legislators will return for a new session next month.