The UK and US lead the charge in global efforts to combat online child exploitation through stronger safeguards and innovative technologies.
In December, the IWF raised concerns that new rules under the e-Privacy Directive, which came into force on December 21, could make it illegal for tech companies to scan online messages for suspected child sexual abuse material.
Explore how ICAP sites use pyramid-style schemes to distribute child sexual abuse material, increasing public exposure and aiding criminal profits.
IWF is a steering group member of the European Child Sexual Abuse Legislation Advocacy Group (ECLAG) working to end child sexual abuse both on and offline.
Quickline joins their nationwide initiative to provide a trusted and secure service to help protect people from exposure to child sexual abuse images online.
From 3 April, the EU will become the only region worldwide without legal certainty allowing technology companies to detect child sexual abuse material online, prompting urgent warnings from child protection experts and global tech organisations. A coalition of 246 civil society groups and major industry players has condemned lawmakers for failing to extend the temporary legal framework that permitted privacy‑preserving detection tools, leaving companies unsure whether safeguarding systems remain lawful. With the EU already hosting the highest concentration of known child sexual abuse material - 62% of confirmed webpages in 2024 - experts warn the situation will worsen, reducing detections, hampering investigations, and emboldening offenders. As the EU’s proposed permanent legislation remains deadlocked, industry leaders and protection advocates stress that immediate action is essential to prevent increased harm to children across Europe and beyond.
IWF CEO Kerry Smith calls for complete EU ban of AI abuse content at high-level meeting of global experts in Rome
New report identifies honest communication as pivotal in battle to stop ‘self-generated’ child sexual abuse material.
Innovations in detecting and removing child sexual abuse material have been made possible by a grant from Nominet.
New pilot shows way for smaller platforms to play big part in online safety.
Speaking in the Lords, several Peers highlight the crucial work of the IWF and call for action from the Government to provide age-appropriate online safety advice.