Biden Signs REPORT Act to Protect Kids Online

WASHINGTON, D.C., May 9, 2024 — International Justice Mission (IJM) celebrates President Biden’s signature on the bipartisan Revising Existing Procedures on Reporting via Technology (REPORT) Act. This newly enacted law will require online service providers to submit reports of suspected crimes against children, including sex trafficking and other forms of online exploitation.

“IJM commends the bipartisan, bicameral response to the growing problem of online sexual exploitation of children through the REPORT Act. Americans are some of the top offenders paying for and consuming child sexual abuse material and committing child sex trafficking online, including via livestreaming. Additionally, most of the technology platforms and apps weaponized to exploit and abuse children, including in the Philippines, are based in the U.S. and governed by our laws. From IJM’s experience in training international law enforcement partners on CyberTipline investigations, it was clear that updates were desperately needed to the existing reporting framework. For example, the REPORT Act will give law enforcement around the world much needed time to triage and respond to CyberTipline reports, which can have a downstream impact of more victims identified and more arrests made. The signing of this bill into law is an important step in strengthening federal policy to better protect children online in the U.S. and around the globe,” said Nate King, Director of Congressional Affairs for IJM.

The Senate bill (S.474) was introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) on Feb. 16, 2023, and passed by unanimous consent on Dec. 14, 2023. In the House of Representatives, the bill (H.R.5082) was introduced on July 28, 2023, by Representatives Laurel Lee (R-FL-15), Susie Lee (D-NV-03), Mariannette Miller‑Meeks (R-IA-01), and Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04). The legislation passed by voice vote in the House on April 29, 2024.

Several online child safety proposals have been introduced during the 118^th Congress, and the REPORT Act is the first major bill to clear the legislative process. IJM urges Congress to move forward with other bills, like the EARN IT Act, to fully effect change in online protections for children.

About International Justice Mission
International Justice Mission partners with local authorities in 33 program offices in 18 countries to combat slavery, violence against women and children and police abuse of power. IJM’s mission is to protect people in poverty from violence by rescuing victims, bringing criminals to justice, restoring survivors to safety and strength, and helping local law enforcement build a safe future that lasts. Learn more about IJM’s public policy and advocacy work.