A resolution urging the European Parliament to exempt certain technologies used to detect child sexual exploitation from European Union ePrivacy directive.
Latest action (7 Dec 2020): Introduced
What this bill does
S.Res. 794 is a nonbinding Senate resolution addressing the detection of online child sexual exploitation. It states the Senate's position that technologies such as hashing, PhotoDNA, and anti-grooming tools are essential for identifying and reporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming behavior online. The resolution urges the European Parliament to pass an interim regulation allowing electronic service providers to continue voluntarily using these technologies, which the resolution's preamble states would otherwise be restricted under an EU ePrivacy directive taking effect December 21, 2020.
The resolution primarily concerns electronic service providers operating in Europe and the United States, as well as organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which operates the CyberTipline that receives reports generated by these technologies. It also implicitly concerns children who could be affected by online exploitation, since the resolution's preamble argues that restricting these detection tools could hinder efforts to identify and report CSAM and grooming, including cases involving offenders or victims outside the EU.
The resolution was introduced on December 7, 2020, by Senator Tom Cotton, with Senator Kelly Loeffler as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. As a resolution rather than legislation, it would not create binding law even if passed; it expresses the Senate's position and urges action by the European Parliament. According to available records, the resolution did not receive a vote before the end of the 116th Congress.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
This resolution expresses support for the use of certain technologies in detecting child sexual abuse material and exploitation online. The resolution also urges the European Parliament to pass an interim regulation to allow electronic service providers to continue to use technologies to detect child sexual exploitation.
Common questions
- What does S.Res. 794 do?
- S.Res. 794 is a nonbinding Senate resolution addressing the detection of online child sexual exploitation. It states the Senate's position that technologies such as hashing, PhotoDNA, and anti-grooming tools are essential for identifying and reporting child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and grooming behavior online. The resolution urges the European Parliament to pass an interim regulation allowing electronic service providers to continue voluntarily using these technologies, which the resolution's preamble states would otherwise be restricted under an EU ePrivacy directive taking effect December 21, 2020. The resolution primarily concerns electronic service providers operating in Europe and the United States, as well as organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, which operates the CyberTipline that receives reports generated by these technologies. It also implicitly concerns children who could be affected by online exploitation, since the resolution's preamble argues that restricting these detection tools could hinder efforts to identify and report CSAM and grooming, including cases involving offenders or victims outside the EU. The resolution was introduced on December 7, 2020, by Senator Tom Cotton, with Senator Kelly Loeffler as a cosponsor, and was referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. As a resolution rather than legislation, it would not create binding law even if passed; it expresses the Senate's position and urges action by the European Parliament. According to available records, the resolution did not receive a vote before the end of the 116th Congress.
- Has S.Res. 794 become law?
- Not yet. As of 7 Dec 2020, S.Res. 794 is introduced.
- Who sponsored S.Res. 794?
- S.Res. 794 was sponsored by Sen. Tom Cotton [R-AR] (Republican-AR), with 3 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S.Res. 794?
- Introduced (7 Dec 2020).
Related bills in International Affairs
Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026
Foreign Service Modernization Act
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Directing the President, pursuant to section 5(c) of the War Powers Resolution, to remove United States Armed Forces from hostilities with Iran.
Bill100 mirrors the public U.S. legislative record from Congress.gov and GovTrack and adds plain-English AI summaries. It is an information tool, not legal, compliance or lobbying advice, and it is not affiliated with the U.S. Congress or any government agency. AI summaries can simplify or omit detail — every bill links to the official source; verify there before you rely on it.