Internet Watch Foundation

INHOPE, the International Association of Internet Hotlines has welcomed Birgit Roth as the new Secretary General.

 

Ms Roth has a background in the telecommunications industry, specifically in the areas of Public Policy, Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs. She has been a member of the German Parliament, holds several degrees in Political Science, Language and Literature and Media studies and has held senior positions with Deutsche Telekom.

 

Birgit Roth said: “As Secretary General I will work tirelessly to make the internet a safer place, especially for children and young people. Illegal activity on the Internet is a cross border problem. Expansion of the INHOPE network is critical in this fight against illegal content.”

 

INHOPE, the International Association of Internet hotlines, represents and co-ordinates a global network of hotlines, aimed primarily at combating online child sexual abuse content. Internet hotlines have a key role to play in tackling illegal content and therefore making the internet a safer place. They offer an easy way for the public to report potentially illegal content and each report is assessed by a content analyst, its origin on the internet is traced and action is taken to inform relevant authorities.

 

Ruben Rodriguez, INHOPE President, welcomed the appointment of Birgit Roth: “I am confident that the organisation will build upon its past achievements and move ahead to become an even more effective body under the stewardship of Birgit Roth. Internet Hotlines have proven to be an effective first line of defence against illegal activity online.” 

 

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INHOPE is the International Association of Internet Hotlines.

 

The mission of INHOPE is to support and enhance the performance of internet Hotlines around the world, ensuring swift action is taken in responding to reports of illegal action, making the internet a safer place.

 

There are currently thirty members of INHOPE worldwide, including members from Europe, Asia, North America and Australia. Through meeting regularly to share knowledge and best practice, INHOPE and its members are working to tackle the global problem of illegal content online – and succeeding.

 

INHOPE is part funded by the EC Safer Internet Action Programme.