WASHINGTON, DC (December 10, 2025) – The National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) expressed deep concern over federal attempts to preempt state efforts to protect children from online harms. The U.S. House Energy & Commerce Committee, Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade is scheduled to markup 11 House bills on Thursday that contain preemption language and would undermine existing child protection laws.
“Preempting any state legislation that protects children online is like giving Big Tech an undeserved gift. The House must remove these provisions from the current slate of online child protection bills they are considering,” said Haley McNamara, Executive Director and Chief Strategy Officer, National Center on Sexual Exploitation.
“Concerns over a state legislative patchwork are misguided. Most industries in America are required to comply with state legislation. Why should this be so difficult for Big Tech, a multi-trillion-dollar industry that is arguably the most powerful and influential entity on the planet? Big Tech already benefits from shocking privileges that no other industry enjoys.
“Federal preemption would only enable them to act with further impunity. This preemption language would make the online world even more dangerous for children than it already is. If state laws are gutted, sexual abuse and exploitation will continue to increase drastically and cause immense, irreversible harm to our children.
“The House should pass the Senate version of the Kids Online Safety Act, which keeps the Duty of Care provision and will enact real accountability for Big Tech to protect our children from harm,” said McNamara.
About National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE)
Founded in 1962, the National Center on Sexual Exploitation (NCOSE) is the leading national non-profit organization exposing the links between all forms of sexual exploitation such as child sexual abuse, prostitution, sex trafficking and the public health harms of pornography.
To schedule an interview with NCOSE, please contact press@ncose.com.
