Senate Committee Unanimously Advances Hawley, Durbin Bill Stopping Child Sex Abuse Materials

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Thursday, June 12, 2025
Today, U.S. Senators Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) and Dick Durbin (D-Ill.)advancedtheirSTOP CSAM Actunanimously through a Senate Judiciary Committee markup. The legislation would crack down on the proliferation of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by allowing victims to sue companies that host it. Senators Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), Ashley Moody (R-Fla.,), Cindy Hyde-Smith (Miss.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) have cosponsored the bill.“Almost two years ago, Mark Zuckerberg apologized to the victims of sexual exploitation on his platforms during a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. But apologies aren’t enough; it’s time to hold Big Tech accountable. Protecting kids online means giving parents the right to sue companies that harbor predators and host their content. My bipartisan legislation would rightfully give CSAM victims their day in court,”said Senator Hawley.
“This is a momentous step toward finally holding Big Tech accountable for harm it has caused kids and families. Big Tech’s pockets run deep, and social media companies are lobbying against any bill that would bolster accountability. Their influence is weakening. I’m proud to have worked with Democrats and Republicans alike to highlight the failures of Big Tech and draft commonsense proposals like ourSTOP CSAM Actto put kids’ safety first. This bill would finally pierce the broad immunity granted by Section 230 and open the courtroom to victims of online child sexual exploitation, as well as bolster protections and resources for survivors. Senator Hawley and I will continue pushing for Senate passage of this bill, and I look forward to the day it becomes law,”said Senator Durbin.
The Senators originally introduced the legislation last Congress and garnered the votes to unanimouslyadvanceit through the Senate Judiciary Committee.
Senator Hawley has been a leading proponent of holding Big Tech accountable and protecting kids online. Last year, hequestionedMeta CEO Mark Zuckerberg about the rampant child exploitation on his social media platforms, prompting him to stand up and apologize to the families of victims in the room.Read the full bill texthere.
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