Arizona senator wants online sites liable for prostitution, child sex trafficking

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — Arizona state Sen. Mark Finchem has filed a bill that would hold online platforms accountable if they help support prostitution or child sex trafficking.

Finchem, a Republican from Prescott, said Senate Bill 1077 would make it a felony for anyone or any business that knowingly operates an online service that facilitates, promotes or solicits those types of sex offenses.

Violations involving underage teens between ages 15 and 17 would carry a class 5 felony, while those involving children under 15 would be guilty of a class 2 felony.

“Technology should never be used as a shield for those who profit from exploitation,” said Finchem in a news release. “Criminal activity has adapted to the digital age, and our laws must do the same.

The proposal would also penalize platforms that show harmful materials to kids and don’t have “reasonable age verification” established. It also prohibits people from profiting from these types of crimes.

Finchem said the bill came about through working with the chamber’s Human Sex Trafficking Task Force, which was formed by Senate President Warren Petersen, also a Republican. The task force was established to find gaps in Arizona law as technology evolves.

“Protecting children and shutting down modern avenues of exploitation must remain a top priority, and this legislation reflects that commitment,” Finchem said in part.

“It is no secret that sexual predators and human traffickers use the internet to sell the most vulnerable among us for a profit,” said Yavapai County Sheriff David Rhodes in a prepared statement. “Senator Finchem’s SB 1077 will protect women and children from these criminals, as well as give law enforcement a needed tool in the prevention of crime.”

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