Content Warning(s): references to online child sexual abuse
As we take a moment to reflect on 2024, the End OSEAC Coalition is proud of the strides we’ve made in our mission to protect kids online. This year has been marked by significant legislative advancements, impactful advocacy efforts, a rollercoaster of high and low moments, and strengthened partnerships.
Legislative Achievements
In 2024, the Coalition successfully endorsed and advocated for the passage of several key pieces of legislation:
- REPORT Act: Signed into law in May 2024, this act enhances reporting requirements for online platforms to combat child exploitation through increased data retention (must retain data from CyberTipline reports for at least one year), extended limited legal liability and permission to utilize cloud storage for CSAM data, and new cybersecurity requirements, and immunity for self-reporting.
- Project Safe Childhood: Passed through the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in December 2024, this initiative strengthens efforts to protect children from online predators. This bill aims to enhance and reauthorize focuses on coordinating investigations and prosecutions of child sexual exploitation across federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies through improved coordination, training, and supporting public education.
Legislative Progress and Close Calls
- Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA): Significant progress was made on KOSA, and it was close to passing by the end of the year. KOSA aims to protect children from harmful online content by requiring platforms to implement safety features and transparency measures. Despite incredible and tireless advocacy, including especially by survivors, parent survivors, and members of this Coalition, it wasn’t quite able to get across the finish line.
- Stop CSAM Act: This act aims to combat the sexual exploitation of children by supporting victims and promoting accountability and transparency within the tech industry. There was a lot of momentum and support on this bill earlier this year following the Senate Judiciary hearing, there are still policy challenges that need to be addressed to see if it can advance further.
- Earn It Act: This act aims to hold online service providers accountable for the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by creating targeted exceptions to Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act. Although there was momentum on this bill earlier in the year following the Senate Judiciary hearing, there still seems to be a lot of opportunity for education around Section 230 reform.
- SHIELD Act: The SHIELD Act makes it illegal for individuals to share private, sexually explicit or nude images of another without consent. It would fill in gaps in existing law that prevent prosecutors from holding those who share explicit images of children accountable and protect the victims of these serious privacy violations, while leaving room for sharing consensual images and images of public concerns. Although it was included in the proposed continuing resolution on Dec. 20, it did not make the version that ultimately passed.
Advocacy and Engagement
Throughout the year, the Coalition actively engaged with policymakers and stakeholders to push for increased funding and improved policies:
- Appropriations Advocacy: We called for critical funding of key child online protection accounts through various efforts:
- Letter to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB): Advocating for increased funding allocations.
- 4-Corners Letter: Sent to House and Senate Majority Leadership on three key committees, emphasizing the need for robust funding.
- Meetings on Capitol Hill: Engaged with legislators to discuss and advocate for key accounts.
- Tracking the FY25 Budget Process: Ongoing efforts to monitor and influence the budget process, with final outcomes to be confirmed as of December 2024.
- Task Force Recommendations: In November, we provided comprehensive recommendations to the Kids Online Health and Safety Taskforce, focusing on emerging risks to children’s health, safety, and privacy.
- Hearing Engagement: Members of the End OSEAC Coalition provided remarks and/or contributed statements to the record for at least three hearings throughout the year on the House and Senate sides.
- Policy Priorities for the Incoming Administration: The End OSEAC Coalition sent a letter to President-elect Trump and the transition teams highlighting the coalition’s policy priorities heading into 2025.
Survivors’ Council Engagement
The Survivors’ Council has been instrumental in our efforts this year. At the end of 2024, we have five active Survivor Council members who participate in regular meetings at all levels of the Coalition. Thank you for your expertise and the incredible grounding you bring to this work. Their engagement included:
- Attending Over a Dozen Events: Council members participated in events across the country, contributing to regional interventions.
- Meeting with DHS: Provided recommendations on the Know2Protect campaign.
- Writing Survivor Support Letters: Including a pivotal letter around the SHIELD Act, which helped get it across the finish line.
- Regular Meetings: Focused on making the coalition a more trauma-informed and survivor-led group.
Strengthening Partnerships
Our coalition’s strength lies in our partnerships. This year, we expanded our network by collaborating with dozens of organizations, survivors, and stakeholders. Together, we have amplified our voice and impact, ensuring that the fight against online child exploitation remains a priority.
Member Insights
This year, our over 30 members have shared their invaluable insights and experiences, including in some of the written pieces from the End OSEAC Coalition. Here are some highlights:
- “The trauma of online exploitation is something that stays with you forever. We need stronger laws to protect our children.” – Survivor Advocate
- “As a parent survivor, I know firsthand the importance of these legislative efforts. We must continue to fight for our children’s safety.” – Survivor Advocate
- “Our advocacy has made a difference, but there’s still so much work to be done. Let’s keep pushing forward.” – Coalition Member
- “Collaborating with the Department of Homeland Security has been a crucial step in addressing online child exploitation. Their support amplifies our efforts.” – Survivor Advocate
- “President Biden’s commitment to child online safety is a significant step forward. We are hopeful for continued progress.” – Coalition Member
A Note of Thanks
We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all coalition members for their continued engagement, support, and tireless advocacy to protect kids online. Your contributions have ranged from regular meeting participation to signing up to lead and organize key activities, to helping provide contacts for members and engaging in thoughtful and collegial discussions around policy reforms.
We are a small and increasingly growing movement, and with an “all boats rise” mentality, we can help do more with the existing resources and vast network of expertise we have at our disposal. We wish you all a wonderful end of this year and a bright start to the next. We look forward to coming together to see how we can best navigate the year 2025 through the End OSEAC Coalition.
In Solidarity,
Coco, Kate, and the End OSEAC Steering Committee
