An Evaluation of IWF’s Reporting Portals - Key Findings

What the Evaluation Shows

The findings show that the Reporting Portals provide an important reporting route in countries and territories where no equivalent mechanism exists. They now cover more than 2.8 billion people, including over a third of the world’s children, and have enabled the removal of thousands of items of child sexual abuse material that would otherwise have remained online. The report also highlights the severity of the content identified through the Portals, with a high proportion involving very young victims and the most extreme forms of abuse.

At the same time, the evaluation identifies several challenges, including limited public awareness, difficulties navigating the reporting process and barriers linked to digital literacy, localisation and partner capacity. It also outlines the need for stronger integration with wider online child protection initiatives. These insights are presented within the report, along with recommendations to strengthen the programme in the years ahead.

Why This Matters

Online child sexual abuse material continues to grow globally, particularly in low and middle-income countries where reporting options are limited. This evaluation provides a detailed evidence base for understanding where the Reporting Portals are making a difference and where further improvements are needed. It also offers guidance for partners, funders and organisations working across the international child protection ecosystem.