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CyberTipline Referrals and Probable Cause

The process and requirements for converting CyberTipline referrals into probable cause for search warrants, including the role of the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and the use of automated hash matching.

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Feb 6, 2026

What distinguishes a CyberTipline referral from probable cause sufficient to obtain a search warrant in CSAM investigations?

A is an informational lead generated when an or a member of the public reports suspected to the ); it is treated as an investigative starting point, not as proof of criminality . Probable cause for a ...