Tracking illegal activity on web subject of NJ, PA congressmen bill – New Jersey Herald

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Two regional congressmen have introduced a bipartisan bill which would begin tracking when the internet, and especially social media outlets, are used in illegal activity.The bill, sponsored by Democrat Josh Gottheimer of New Jersey and Brian Fitzpatrick, a Republican from Pennsylvania, requires the FBI to include a check-off box on crime reports submitted by local law enforcement which will show that the internet was somehow involved in the crime being reported.The two lawmakers held a joint news conference on Thursday which included Dr. Laura Berman and Samuel Chapman, parents of Sammy Chapman, a 16-year-old who purchased drugs over a Snapchat connection. The drugs were laced with fentanyl and led to his death.Known as CHATS, “Combating Harmful Actions with Transparency on Social” act, the bill would require the U.S. Attorney General, working with the FBI, to set up standards for local police to include social media involvement in any crimes.The proposed law, which has support from the National Fraternal Order of Police, directs the FBI and Justice Department to collect and report on data on crimes involving social media.Of interest:NJ getting $641M to fight the opioid epidemic. Why fentanyl is making it harder than everLocal law enforcement would…
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