Bill boosts child abuse protections, tech reporting rules on CSAM

What does this do?

This bill updates federal court protections for child victims and witnesses, including privacy safeguards, updated legal definitions, and improved restitution processes with court-appointed trustees. It also requires tech companies to report more detailed information on suspected child sexual abuse material to the CyberTipline, preserve evidence, and submit annual public safety reports if they are large platforms.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects federal courts, prosecutors, and child victims or witnesses in criminal cases. It also affects technology and social media companies, particularly larger platforms with many users and high revenue.

Why does it matter?

Companies that fail to report or preserve suspected abuse material, or that submit false reports, could face criminal and civil penalties, including fines. Child victims and witnesses would face new legal procedures and privacy rules in federal court cases.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• Fines for noncompliant tech companies
• Penalties for false reports
• Large platforms file annual reports