Reporting of Child Pornography by Electronic Communication Service Providers Act

Citation: Reporting of Child Pornography by Electronic Communication Service Providers Act, Pub. L. No. 101-647, 104 Stat. 4806, codified as 42 U.S.C. §13031.

Overview
The Reporting of Child Pornography by Electronic Communication Service Providers Act requires ISPs, when they become aware of potential child pornography, to report this information to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. If they do not, they face fines. The Act does not require ISPs to affirmatively monitor their systems for child pornography. It only states that when an ISP acquires knowledge of child pornography, then action must be taken.

In return, ISPs are granted immunity from prosecution for any action taken in good faith to comply with the Act. This gives those that are falsely accused little recourse for the actions of the ISPs.