Bill would shield cloud vendors storing child abuse evidence from liability
Passed one chamberH.R. 7834Latest action
Sponsor: Laurel M. Lee · Representative · FL
AIDecoded by AI · checked against the recordRead the official text
Official title: Safe Cloud Storage Act
119th Congress
Topics: Crime & justice
Introduced:
Read the official bill on Congress.govIn plain words
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The Safe Cloud Storage Act protects vendors storing CSAM evidence for police, if they meet strict security rules.
40-second read · 4 questions answered below
What does this do?
The bill creates legal protections for "approved vendors" that store, maintain, or provide technical support for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) evidence under contract with law enforcement. In exchange, vendors must follow strict security requirements, including encryption, limited employee access, annual independent audits, and keeping data within the U.S. unless investigators approve otherwise. Protections do not apply if a vendor acts wrongfully, negligently, recklessly, or with malice.
Who does it affect?
Cloud storage and tech companies contracting with police, along with law enforcement and prosecutors who use outside vendors for digital evidence storage, are directly affected. The public and crime victims are indirectly affected through potential effects on investigations.
Why does it matter?
Currently, legal risk from storing illegal material may discourage companies from offering these services to law enforcement, affecting how digital evidence is handled.
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Read the official bill on Congress.govMake the call
Where does it stand?
- IntroducedMar 5, 2026
- House committee
- House vote
- SenateYou are here · Sep 17, 2026
- The president's desk
Right now: it passed the House, and the official record shows nothing new since. If the Senate changes it, it goes back to the House before reaching the president.
Latest action: — Received in the Senate.