Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces Act of 2022

12/30/2022, 12:04 AM

Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces Act of 2022

This bill removes the federal liability protection that a provider of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) receives for content provided by third parties (sometimes referred to as Section 230 protection) if the provider operates an online firearms marketplace. Online firearms marketplace refers to an interactive computer service that (1) facilitates firearm-related transactions, (2) advertises or otherwise makes available proposals for transferring firearms, or (3) makes digital instructions for programming a three-dimensional printer to make a firearm.

Bill 117 HR 7819, also known as the Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces Act of 2022, aims to address the issue of online firearms sales and the potential for these platforms to facilitate illegal transactions. The bill seeks to hold online firearms marketplaces accountable for ensuring that all sales comply with federal and state laws regarding background checks and other regulations.

Specifically, the bill requires online firearms marketplaces to verify the identity of both the buyer and seller, conduct background checks on all buyers, and report any suspicious or illegal activity to law enforcement. Additionally, the bill mandates that online firearms marketplaces maintain records of all transactions and make them available to law enforcement upon request.

The Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces Act of 2022 also includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential criminal charges for individuals or companies that knowingly facilitate illegal firearms sales through online platforms. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to increase accountability and oversight in the online firearms marketplace to help prevent illegal sales and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who should not have access to them.
Congress
117

Number
HR - 7819

Introduced on
2022-05-18

# Amendments
0

Sponsors
+5

Cosponsors
+5

Variations and Revisions

5/18/2022

Status of Legislation

Bill Introduced
Introduced to House
House to Vote
Introduced to Senate
Senate to Vote

Purpose and Summary

Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces Act of 2022

This bill removes the federal liability protection that a provider of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) receives for content provided by third parties (sometimes referred to as Section 230 protection) if the provider operates an online firearms marketplace. Online firearms marketplace refers to an interactive computer service that (1) facilitates firearm-related transactions, (2) advertises or otherwise makes available proposals for transferring firearms, or (3) makes digital instructions for programming a three-dimensional printer to make a firearm.

Bill 117 HR 7819, also known as the Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces Act of 2022, aims to address the issue of online firearms sales and the potential for these platforms to facilitate illegal transactions. The bill seeks to hold online firearms marketplaces accountable for ensuring that all sales comply with federal and state laws regarding background checks and other regulations.

Specifically, the bill requires online firearms marketplaces to verify the identity of both the buyer and seller, conduct background checks on all buyers, and report any suspicious or illegal activity to law enforcement. Additionally, the bill mandates that online firearms marketplaces maintain records of all transactions and make them available to law enforcement upon request.

The Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces Act of 2022 also includes provisions for penalties for non-compliance, including fines and potential criminal charges for individuals or companies that knowingly facilitate illegal firearms sales through online platforms. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to increase accountability and oversight in the online firearms marketplace to help prevent illegal sales and keep firearms out of the hands of individuals who should not have access to them.
Alternative Names
Official Title as IntroducedTo amend the Communications Decency Act to remove immunity for online firearms marketplaces, and for other purposes.

Policy Areas
Science, Technology, Communications

Comments

Recent Activity

Latest Summary8/16/2022

Accountability for Online Firearms Marketplaces Act of 2022

This bill removes the federal liability protection that a provider of an interactive computer service (e.g., a social media company) receives for content provided...


Latest Action5/18/2022
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.