2019 US Code
Title 18 - Crimes and Criminal Procedure
Part I - Crimes
Chapter 110 - Sexual Exploitation and Other Abuse of Children
Sec. 2258D - Limited liability for NCMEC

Download PDF
Citation 18 U.S.C. § 2258D (2019)
Section Name §2258D. Limited liability for NCMEC
Section Text

(a) In General.—Pursuant to its clearinghouse role as a private, nonprofit organization and its mission to help find missing children, reduce online sexual exploitation of children and prevent future victimization, and except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), a civil claim or criminal charge against NCMEC, including any director, officer, employee, or agent of NCMEC, arising from the performance of the CyberTipline responsibilities or functions of NCMEC, as described in this section, section 2258A or 2258C of this title, or section 404 of the Missing Children's Assistance Act (34 U.S.C. 11293), or from the efforts of NCMEC to identify child victims may not be brought in any Federal or State court.

(b) Intentional, Reckless, or Other Misconduct.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to a claim or charge if NCMEC, or a director, officer, employee, or agent of NCMEC—

(1) engaged in intentional misconduct; or

(2) acted, or failed to act—

(A) with actual malice;

(B) with reckless disregard to a substantial risk of causing injury without legal justification; or

(C) for a purpose unrelated to the performance of any responsibility or function under this section, section 2258A or 2258C of this title, or section 404 of the Missing Children's Assistance Act (34 U.S.C. 11293).


(c) Ordinary Business Activities.—Subsection (a) shall not apply to an act or omission relating to an ordinary business activity, including general administration or operations, the use of motor vehicles, or personnel management.

(d) Minimizing Access.—NCMEC shall—

(1) minimize the number of employees that are provided access to any visual depiction provided under section 2258A; and

(2) ensure that any such visual depiction is permanently destroyed upon notification from a law enforcement agency.

Source Credit

(Added Pub. L. 110–401, title V, §501(a), Oct. 13, 2008, 122 Stat. 4250; amended Pub. L. 115–395, §5, Dec. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 5294.)

Editorial Notes AMENDMENTS

2018—Pub. L. 115–395, §5(1), substituted "NCMEC" for "the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 115–395, §5(2), substituted "Pursuant to its clearinghouse role as a private, nonprofit organization and its mission to help find missing children, reduce online sexual exploitation of children and prevent future victimization, and except as provided" for "Except as provided", "against NCMEC" for "against the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children", "(34 U.S.C. 11293)" for "(42 U.S.C. 5773)", "of NCMEC" for "of such center" wherever appearing, and "from the efforts" for "from the effort".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 115–395, §5(3), substituted "if NCMEC" for "if the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children", "of NCMEC" for "of such center", and "(34 U.S.C. 11293)" for "(42 U.S.C. 5773)".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 115–395, §5(4), substituted "NCMEC" for "The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children" in introductory provisions and "visual depiction" for "image" in pars. (1) and (2).

Publication Title United States Code, 2018 Edition, Supplement 1, Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
Category Bills and Statutes
Collection United States Code
SuDoc Class Number Y 1.2/5:
Contained Within Title 18 - CRIMES AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE
PART I - CRIMES
CHAPTER 110 - SEXUAL EXPLOITATION AND OTHER ABUSE OF CHILDREN
Sec. 2258D - Limited liability for NCMEC
Contains section 2258D
Date 2019
Laws In Effect As Of Date January 24, 2020
Positive Law Yes
Disposition standard
Statutes at Large References 122 Stat. 4250
132 Stat. 5294
Public Law References Public Law 110-401, Public Law 115-395
Disclaimer: These codes may not be the most recent version. United States may have more current or accurate information. We make no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained on this site or the information linked to on the state site. Please check official sources.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.