Survivors deserve more protection.
This week, Raven testified alongside Michelle DeLaune, Gregory Schiller, Taylor Sines and John Tanagho in the briefing Ending the Scourge: The Need for the STOP CSAM Act.This hearing highlighted the necessity of passing the STOP CSAM Act in order to better protect survivors of online exploitation.
Online exploitation is a sneaky threat in which predators manipulate technology to prey on young children and adults. This can range from incessant, inappropriate contact to human trafficking facilitated through digital platforms. With support from Democrats and Republicans, this legislation demonstrates the overwhelming agreement that survivors need more privacy protection from repeated traumatization while improving CyberTip reporting, mechanisms for removing CSAM from online platforms, accountability measures, and restitution management.
As Taylor Sines explained, “The unique, unconsidered aspect of this crime is that we are trafficked right from our homes, our schools, our communities. Anywhere our cellphone goes, we can be trafficked. For these children, it feels like there is no escape, no end.”
John Pizzuro, CEO of Raven and former Commander of the NJ Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, provided his expertise on this issue:
“STOP CSAM would require providers to report apparent, planned, and imminent violations. Platforms often detect grooming behavior or other signs of a child in distress. Still, [tech platforms] have total discretion to decide whether or not to report information about planned or imminent offenses. This revised language will undoubtedly result in saving children from abuse before it happens. As a former ICAC Commander, I can say that our best day is when we can rescue a child before they are abused.”
Raven supports survivors of online exploitation and is committed to easing their journey towards justice. We intend to diligently pursue the advancement of the STOP CSAM Act through Congress and will not rest until survivors are better protected from online exploitation.
Watch the full testimony here.
CONTACT: Brenna Pitman, brenna@raven.us
