Published: Tue 25 Feb 2025
The Security Institute has named the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) as its charity partner for the year after the child protection group presented at its annual conference in October 2024.
The Security Institute, the UK’s largest member body for security professionals - representing everyone from door supervisors to chief security officers - will help raise awareness and funds for the Internet Watch Foundation over the next 12 months.
The Institute celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and is placing an increasing focus on safeguarding and child protection.
The Security Institute has already helped to raise more than £2,500 for the IWF and aims to continue fundraising, further strengthening this partnership throughout the year.
The IWF’s mission and values will be highlighted through talks and presentations at key Security Institute events and conferences.
The IWF, which plays a vital role in tackling child sexual abuse, presented to Security Institute members in November, with the Institute’s patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, among those present.
During the presentation, IWF representatives outlined the challenges of detecting, removing, and preventing the spread of child sexual abuse material.
Kate Moss, Head of Fundraising at the IWF, said: “The threats to our security come in so many different forms and, at the IWF, we know all too well how the spread of child sexual abuse material makes the world a more dangerous place.
“We’re very grateful to have the chance to speak to so many key players in the security field and to be chosen as the charity partner for the year. We will continue to raise awareness and funds for our vital mission of identifying and removing this harmful content.
“We cannot do our work alone. As a non-profit organisation, we rely on the generous support of donors to stay ahead of the criminals who exploit and harm children.”
As an independent charity, the IWF requires funding to support its vital work in identifying and removing child sexual abuse material.
Professor Simon Hepburn, CEO of the Security Institute, said: “The work undertaken by the IWF is essential for protecting and safeguarding children and young people.
“As the leading Institute for security professionals, we are pleased to partner with and support the IWF, as its mission aligns with our own values and objectives.”
Internet watchdog says this is the first time it has identified imagery of child sexual abuse linked to AI chatbots.
