It’s been quite a while—over 18 months—since the head of a prominent American tech company testified before Congress regarding the alarming issue of online child sexual exploitation.
That moment was both impactful and filled with hope, marking a significant point in the ongoing battle against the heartbreaking rise of child sexual abuse material in the digital world.
So, what has been done by Congress in the meantime? Surprisingly, some real actions have taken place, and that deserves recognition.
In May 2024, a new law was enacted, which requires tech companies to report incidents related to child sex trafficking and online solicitation.
Fast forward a year, and another significant bill passed both congressional houses, largely due to advocacy from a high-profile figure. First Lady Melania Trump championed this initiative, leading to a law mandating tech companies to remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours of receiving a victim’s notification.
While these developments are steps in the right direction, it’s crucial to note that legislators have yet to pursue comprehensive reforms to tackle online child sexual exploitation effectively.
The 2023 online safety package advanced in the Senate Judiciary Committee but ultimately did not reach a vote in the Senate during 2024.
Subsequently, the Senate Commerce Committee moved forward with the Children’s Online Safety and Privacy Act; it was approved by the Senate with a vote of 91-3 but failed to receive a House vote in January.
Many ongoing issues are exacerbating the online child sexual abuse crisis, particularly with the emergence of photorealistic AI-generated content showing harm to children.
A recent study from Georgia State University in collaboration with the Child Light Global Child Safety Institute estimates that 1 in 12 children globally faces exposure to online sexual exploitation or abuse.
So, what response is there from US tech leaders? Last January, they were summoned to answer tough questions.
According to an August report from Australia’s online safety authority, progress appears minimal among many leading tech companies regarding this urgent concern.
Surprisingly, companies like Apple, Google, and Meta were noted for “not being utilized by providers” to implement available technologies aimed at detecting child exploitation in live streams and video calls.
This is really unacceptable, revealing that the tech industry can, and should, do much more.
Julie Inman Grant, an Australian committee member and former employee in a major US tech firm, emphasizes such findings with her “significant concerns.” She said, “This is illegal. It’s literally the assault and torture of children, and they’re turning a blind eye.”
It’s worth noting that this valuable information is publicly available due to Australia’s stringent disclosure laws, which starkly contrast with the lack of similar transparency requirements under US legislation.
This has to change. Americans deserve insight into the investments and efforts tech companies are making to combat this issue. These are real cases, like the unfortunate incidents involving a 22-month-old in South Carolina, and a Florida toddler who suffered similar fates.
Fortunately, laws have been proposed in the 119th Congress to enforce the necessary transparency. The Stop CSAM Method aims to create a more comprehensive strategy requiring annual transparency reports from major online platforms to report suspected exploitation to the cybertipline for victims.
This legislation would also enhance the quality of Cybertipline reports, improve protections for victims’ privacy, and streamline compensation processes for those affected.
Additionally, it establishes a pathway for survivors to pursue legal action through civil cases against online platforms that “promote or assist” such heinous acts.
This week, child protection from online abuse is back in the spotlight on Capitol Hill. There was a public hearing yesterday addressing Meta’s whistleblower allegations concerning buried safety research on protecting children.
Today, hundreds of engaged Americans from over 40 states are participating in my organization, the International Judicial Mission, to lobby Congress for the CSAM Act, which passed unanimously out of the Senate Judiciary Committee in June.
While there are steps being taken by lawmakers from both political parties, there’s certainly more work ahead.
The First Lady must continue her support for this important legislation. Senate Majority Leader John Tune needs to ensure a vote is scheduled on the Senate floor this month.
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Jim Jordan should push the issue forward, and House Speaker Mike Johnson should make it a priority to get a vote in the House as soon as possible.
Ultimately, the goal is to allow President Trump to sign into law measures that genuinely protect vulnerable children. Our kids deserve better.
