STOP CSAM Act would let abuse survivors sue platforms for at least $300,000

What does this do?

The STOP CSAM Act of 2025 requires large online platforms to report child sexual abuse material to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children faster and more completely than current law requires. Courts would be required to appoint advocates for child victims and keep their personal information confidential by default. Child victims could sue platforms and app stores that intentionally or recklessly enabled abuse or hosted illegal material, with no time limit for filing.

Who does it affect?

The bill affects tech companies of all sizes, federal courts, and law enforcement agencies. People who were abused as children and are seeking justice are also directly affected.

Why does it matter?

Platforms that fail to report or knowingly host child sexual abuse material could face substantial fines, creating financial pressure to comply. Survivors gain a path to civil damages that did not previously exist against platforms, which could reshape how companies approach content moderation.

What does it cost, and who pays?

Companies that fail to report or knowingly host child sexual abuse material face fines ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. Victims who sue successfully are guaranteed at least $300,000 in damages plus attorney fees. Additional funding would be authorized to support court-appointed advocates for child victims.

Where does it stand?