Thread by @fightfortheftr

⚠️UPDATE on #EARNITAct⚠️

It has become part of a one-two punch to destroy the ability of the web to fight back, then end #e2ee.

The full force of the net must be unleashed to defend our rights: NoEarnItAct.org / Text EARNIT to 68788, msg+data rates may apply

Our freedom from government surveillance will disappear unless we take action.

We have to #SaveEncryption and stop the EARN IT Act and the LAED Act.

Source: cyberlaw.stanford.edu/blog/2020/07/e…’t-fix-it

Some say the amended #EARNITAct is no longer a threat to encryption. This is FALSE.

The EARN IT Act is now the first bill of a one-two punch designed to destroy end to end encryption.

🥊 PUNCH 1: remove liability protections for internet companies.

The #EARNITAct would change Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which protects websites, apps, etc. from being sued if a user does something illegal. This includes email, social media, messaging apps.

Web companies have never been immune from criminal charges.

#EARNITAct exposes web companies to civil* charges if they don't share user coms w/law enforcement, whether related to abuse or protests.

*Civil ex: suing Instagram for damages if a thief sells what they stole there.

If the #EARNITAct passes, it will threaten our freedoms online, especially freedom of speech.

That threat is baked into this bill. No amount of amendments can fix it. And here’s the kicker: it *still* won’t guarantee children’s safety online. 🤦‍♀️

EARN IT doesn't give the gov any new powers to protect kids.

It just lets them threaten to take away companies' protection from civil lawsuits if they don't spy on us. The #EARNITAct is designed to end our online freedoms from censorship and surveillance, not to protect kids.

Because most politicians do not understand how the internet works, and many want unlimited spying powers, EARN IT passed through committee and is now headed for a full vote on the Senate floor.

We have to fight the #EARNITAct first and hardest, because it's closest to passing.

🥊PUNCH 2: force *all encryption* to have a back door for law enforcement.

On July 2, trying to fool activists, sneaky garbage politicians dropped the direct assault on #Encryption from #EARNITAct, & introed a new bill: the Lawful Access to Encrypted Data (LAED) Act. #LAEDAct

So first, they'll try to pass the #EARNITAct to expose any app or site that fights back to lawsuits that would destroy them.

Next, with the #LAEDAct, they will mandate a back door, making end to end encryption illegal. #E2EE

WITH EVERYTHING WE'VE GOT, WE MUST STOP THESE BILLS.

The full power of the net must make politicians fear for their careers if they vote yes on #EARNITAct.

Please call and contact your representatives every single day.

Please spread the word as far and wide as you can, through every means you can think of.

Visit NoEarnItAct.org or text EARNIT to 68788* to take action.

Share our explainer on Instagram here: instagram.com/p/CCbuLcKDvbO/

*msg+data rates may apply