Congress May Require ISPs To Block Fraudulent Web Sites

For the last decade or so, Internet service providers have been dealing with requests to block access to pornographic or copyright-infringing Web sites, or in China, ones that dare to criticize the government.

Now a U.S. House of Representatives bill is taking the unusual step of requiring Internet providers to block access to online financial scams that fraudulently invoke the Securities Investor Protection Corporation -- or face fines and federal court injunctions.

The House Financial Services Committee approved the legislation on Wednesday by a 41 to 28 vote.