The Cooper Davis Act: A New Approach to Combat Online Drug Dealing
The Cooper Davis Act, a proposed legislation currently under consideration by the Senate Judiciary Committee, is poised to bring a significant change in the fight against online drug dealing. Named after a 16-year-old Kansas boy who died of a fentanyl overdose, the Act aims to address the spiraling public health crisis caused by the rising trend of internet drug sales, particularly to American teenagers and adolescents. However, it's not without controversy, as critics argue that it could potentially turn large parts of the internet into a federal spying apparatus.
The Cooper Davis Act: A Response to Online Drug Dealing
The act proposes that "electronic communication service providers and remote computing services" should report to the U.S. Attorney General any evidence they discover of "the unlawful sale and distribution of counterfeit substances and certain controlled substances." This means that tech companies, from social media giants like Instagram, Facebook, and Snapchat to cloud computing or email providers, would be legally required to report certain types of drug activity to the federal government if they become aware of such activities on their platforms.
Proponents' View
Supporters of the act believe it could be a game-changer in the fight against online drug dealing. The rise of social media platforms has created a streamlined drug-buying experience that puts an entire black market at young people's fingertips. Powerful opioids are being pushed into the hands of young people through platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. The act, proponents argue, could help curb this trend.
Critics' Concerns
Despite the potential benefits, the act has faced criticism for its potential impact on internet privacy. Critics, including organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union and the Electronic Frontier Foundation, argue that the bill could effectively "deputize" internet platforms as informants for the DEA, creating an unwieldy surveillance apparatus that may have unintended consequences down the line.
Critics also point out that the bill could subvert Americans' already limited Fourth Amendment protections when it comes to the internet. The bill would require platforms to surrender large quantities of user data to the government if they suspected a particular user of wrongdoing. This, they argue, could lead to broad and indiscriminate internet surveillance.
In conclusion, the act represents a new approach to combating online drug dealing, but it also raises important questions about the balance between public safety and personal privacy. As the debate continues, it's clear that the implications of the Act will have far-reaching effects on both law enforcement and the tech industry.
Analysis
This bill will infringe on some of our privacy. Some people estimate that 30% of drug deals are done online (either purchased or arranged). It is, indeed, the future of drug dealing. However, the tech giants will use AI systems to scan for certain keywords and phrases to capture the data they are required to report. That means people like you and I, working hard to fight drug abuse in our communities, will be swept up and our conversations sent to the federal government. Having worked for government for 30 years, that doesn’t make me feel very good. Worse yet, can you image being the guy assigned to sort through all of that data? What would work better would be to properly fund our drug investigators and stop passing laws that prohibit them from enforcing existing drug laws. That is where congress should focus their efforts.
Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
Q: What is the Cooper Davis Act?
A: The aact is a bill introduced in congress to combat online drug dealing.
Q: Why is it called the Cooper Davis Act?
A: The bill is named after 16-year-old Cooper Davis, who lost his life due to an overdose from drugs purchased online.
Q: What is the purpose of the Act?
A: The purpose of the Cooper Davis Act is to prevent and assist in the prosecution of illegal drug dealers who use social media platforms to distribute drugs.
Q: Which law enforcement agencies would be involved in enforcing the Cooper Davis Act?
A: The bill would require social media companies to provide identifying information to local law enforcement agencies and the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) to assist in investigating online drug dealing.
Q: What happens if social media companies fail to comply with the requirements of the Cooper Davis Act?
A: If social media companies fail to comply, they could be in violation of the law and face civil and criminal penalties.
Q: How would the Cooper Davis Act impact civil rights?
A: The Cooper Davis Act aims to balance the need for law enforcement to combat online drug dealing while ensuring the protection of civil rights and privacy.
Q: Who supports the Cooper Davis Act?
A: The bill has garnered support from a coalition of organizations and individuals advocating for stricter measures against online drug dealing.
Q: What measures would the Cooper Davis Act introduce?
A: The Cooper Davis Act would require social media companies to obtain and report any alleged illegal drug-related content to law enforcement agencies.
Q: What is the role of the DEA in the Cooper Davis Act?
A: The DEA would play a significant role in investigating and prosecuting online drug dealing cases in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies.
Q: What can individuals do to support the Cooper Davis Act?
A: Individuals can contact their senators and urge them to vote "yes" on the Cooper Davis Act to strengthen the fight against online drug dealing.