Show-Me State Times

Senators Josh Hawley and Dick Durbin have announced plans to reintroduce the STOP CSAM Act, a bill aimed at combating child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. The legislation, which had previously been unanimously advanced by the Senate Judiciary Committee, seeks to empower victims by allowing them to sue companies that host such material.

"Congress has already waited too long to protect kids online and while we’ve stalled social media companies have continued to be hubs for child sexual abuse material. We can’t waste any more time," stated Senator Hawley. He emphasized the importance of enabling parents and victims to hold these companies accountable through legal action.

Senator Durbin also expressed concern over Big Tech's inability to self-regulate. "Big Tech has woefully failed to police itself, and the American people are demanding that Congress intervene," he said. Durbin highlighted past efforts made in the Senate Judiciary Committee and urged his colleagues to support this renewed initiative alongside Senator Hawley.

Hawley has been vocal about holding tech companies responsible for protecting children online. Last year, he confronted Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg regarding child exploitation issues on social media platforms. Despite prior legislative efforts being blocked on the Senate floor, both senators remain committed to advancing their bipartisan bill once again.