Policy work

The UK has a world-leading approach to dealing with Child Sexual Abuse Material online. In 1996, the year the IWF was founded, 18% of the world’s known child sexual abuse material was hosted in the UK. Today it is less than 0.1% and it has been less than 1% ever since 2003.

The IWF is recognised globally as a model of best practice. The UK’s Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse concluded the IWF is a “genuine success story” and “a large part of the reason comparatively little CSAM was hosted in the UK.”

The International Association of Internet Hotlines (INHOPE) described the IWF as “maintaining exceptional standards in all areas and its practices can be recommended to new or existing hotlines wishing to develop or expand their services.”

We work with Governments, Industry and Law Enforcement globally to share best practice about how we prevent the proliferation of child sexual abuse material online. We want to ensure that legislation builds upon current best practice, respects current international collaboration and further improves the response to this crime.

To contact the IWF Policy and Public Affairs team, please email Michael Tunks, Senior Policy and Public Affairs Manager, mike@iwf.org.uk or Abigail Fedorovsky, Policy and Public Affairs Officer, abigail@iwf.org.uk.