PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 07 · Reported to House · Sep 8, 2026
Safe Cloud Storage Act
This bill limits the civil and criminal liability of vendors that contract with law enforcement agencies to provide digital storage services (e.g., cloud-based storage) for storing, maintaining, and processing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in investigations of online child sexual exploitation.
Under current law, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) receives reports of online child sexual exploitation via its CyberTipline, evaluates and prioritizes the reports, and refers the reports to law enforcement agencies to investigate. Currently, federal law limits the liability of vendors that contract directly with the NCMEC to store and transfer CSAM. However, federal law does not limit the liability of vendors that contract with law enforcement agencies to assist in investigations.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
This bill establishes liability protections for vendors that contract with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to store, maintain, and process CSAM in investigations of online child sexual exploitation. Specifically, the bill prohibits a civil claim or criminal charge in federal or state court against such a vendor, so long as the vendor has not engaged in intentional misconduct or negligent conduct, acted with malice or reckless disregard, or acted for a purpose unrelated to its contractual duties.
The bill requires vendors to comply with cybersecurity requirements for CSAM that is stored, maintained, or processed. The bill also requires vendors to comply with storage requirements for CSAM that is retained as evidence.
People & committees
Rep. Lee, Laurel M. [R-FL-15] · R–FL
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Received in the Senate.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H5936-5937)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7834.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H5936-5938)
Ms. Lee (FL) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 703.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-804.
Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 119-804.
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 24 - 0.
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Oct 31, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
AI Conversation Starters
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Analyze H.R.7834 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
Examine H.R.7834 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.
Examine H.R.7834 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.
Examine H.R.7834 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.