ATLANTA (WJBF) – There’s a renewed push to crack down on online sexual predators and keep kids safe on the internet.

U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff’s new legislation, the REPORT Act, has already had a significant effect. During the first six months of this year, there was a 952% increase in cyber tip reports of child sex trafficking as a result of the law.

This law mandates that websites and social media platforms report instances of child sex trafficking and online enticement of children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Companies that neglect to report these crimes will now face stricter penalties.

Ossoff said protecting children online is deeply personal.

“I have a 3-year-old daughter and a 4-month-old daughter,” Senator Ossoff stated. “The worst nightmare for any parent in Georgia is their child being trafficked or targeted by an online predator. This is a danger that occurs daily across the nation.”

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has noted a 77% rise in cyber tips concerning the online enticement of children for sexual exploitation during the first half of 2024.