How the IWF works with the EU on policy to make children safer online.
The European Parliament is taking a decisive stand against the rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse material (AI-CSAM), co-hosting a high-level briefing with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to address this urgent threat. With a 380% increase in AI-CSAM reports in 2024, the Parliament is pushing for robust legal reforms through the proposed Child Sexual Abuse Directive. Key priorities include criminalising all forms of AI-generated CSAM, removing legal loopholes such as the “personal use” exemption, and enhancing cross-border enforcement. The IWF and the European Child Sexual Abuse Legislation Advocacy Group (ECLAG) urge the Council of the EU to align with Parliament’s strong stance to protect children and support survivors. This article highlights the scale of the threat, the evolving technology behind synthetic abuse imagery, and the critical need for updated EU legislation.
On April 27, the IWF was in Brussels to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the IWF and to discuss forthcoming EU legislation to tackle Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation.
On May 11, the European Commission announced its new European strategy for laying down rules to prevent and combat child sexual abuse.
ECLAG high-level event on March 20 in Brussels will discuss what vital new EU legislation needs in order to be effective.
Impact assessment criticising EU proposal to tackle child sexual abuse material shows ‘gaps in knowledge and understanding of key issues’, IWF warns
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.
The Age Appropriate Design Code sets out 15 standards that online services need to follow.
The letter says the proposal would have powerful implications, not just for Europe but for the world.
IWF joins call to focus on effective solutions in fight against child sexual abuse online.