The online world is moving fast. In the last three decades, our lives have transformed beyond recognition. From days when we were connecting online from old-LAN computers and cell phones, we now find ourselves immersed in an uncontrolled digital revolution, with Artificial Intelligence and the realms of the Metaverse knocking at our screens.
Yet, as our digital world expands, so do its challenges. Beneath the wonders of the online world lies a darker reality, which contains new forms of dangers such as identity theft, data breaches, violence and discrimination. Worst among these harms, child sexual abuse and exploitation is increasing and evolving every year.
Child sexual abuse and exploitation is happening online, often out of our sight, but with real consequences for the children around us. To prevent harm, it is essential to comprehend the workings of the online world and implement measures that safeguard children from online sexual abuse—without resorting to a complete prohibition of internet access or other restrictive measures. It’s about knowing and using a range of methods and tools to both protect and empower children in their digital lives.
With a focus on the tools to prevent child sexual abuse online, ECPAT calls on government officials, tech companies, professionals, and caregivers to unite and activate on this issue. How? The answers lie in becoming aware of the risks and manifestations of child sexual abuse online and learn which tools are available to fight this horrendous crime. It’s a collective responsibility to educate ourselves and act, ensuring children benefit from the internet and are protected from harm.
Meet ECPAT Project Beacon – Putting children’s rights into the heart of digital policy
What do the EU citizens really think about data privacy and child protection online?
How far are we to ensure Child Safety Online in the EU? A timeline of events.
Towards online child protection in the EU
Why Does Online Child Protection Matter? Here is ECPAT Project Beacon to explain why
ECPAT welcomes European Commission’s proposal to prevent and combat child sexual abuse
What is ECPAT doing to ensure Child Safety Online in the EU?
ECPAT International’s opinion on the topic of child sexual abuse online and the European Commission’s proposal to Combat and Prevent Child Sexual Abuse online. Interview broadcasted in the German MDR/AR media journal.
Available in: German
Available in: English, French, German, Greek, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish
Ensuring the safety of children online is imperative in today’s digital era, requiring a deep understanding of their perspectives and needs as outlined by the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child. The VOICE project, conducted by ECPAT International, Eurochild, and Terre des Hommes Netherlands on behalf of the Down to Zero Alliance, engaged children and caregivers in 15 countries to inform policy discussions on digital safety. While digital spaces offer learning and entertainment opportunities, they also present risks like cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content, constituting a violation of children’s rights.
The VOICE Report “Speaking Up For Change: Children’s and caregivers’ voices for safer online experiences” emphasises the necessity of effective safety measures and children’s participation in shaping online safety policies.
Available in: English
This briefing summarizes a multi-sector roundtable that took place in Seoul in February 2024 on the topic of child safety in online gaming environments. With emphasis on the role of culture and language, it complements and builds on previous discussions in London (2022) and New York (2023) focused respectively on research and data, and safety insights and good practice in addressing risk and harm with a gender lens.
Available in: English
ECPAT International joins forces with DOT Europe, CCIA and 50+ tech trade associations and NGOs working for child safety online with a joint statement to the European Union. Concerned about slow progress on the EU proposal to combat child sexual abuse, ECPAT calls for a two-year temporary framework extension and the need for a robust, long-term solution to the issue of child sexual abuse online.
Available in: English
In the Americas, the codes of conduct in travel and tourism have developed significantly over the last two decades. These codes have been promoted by governments and civil society organisations to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation of children. This case study analyses the experience of implementing a mandatory national code in Colombia and a voluntary code in Mexico. It reflects on the implications, effectiveness, and relevance of mandatory and voluntary approaches, pointing out the challenges and opportunities, describing their main results and analysing the complementarity of these standards with ECPAT’s initiative – The Code.
The case study was developed by ECPAT International in cooperation with Fundación Renacer and ECPAT México.
Estándares de protección para las niñas, niños y adolescentes en la industria de viajes y turismo: la experiencia de México y Colombia
En las Américas, los códigos de conducta en viajes y turismo se han desarrollado significativamente durante las últimas dos décadas. Estos códigos han sido promovidos por gobiernos y organizaciones de la sociedad civil para prevenir y responder a la explotación sexual de niñas, niños y adolescentes. Este estudio de caso analiza la experiencia de implementación de un código nacional obligatorio en Colombia y un código voluntario en México. Reflexiona sobre las implicaciones, efectividad y relevancia de los enfoques obligatorios y voluntarios, señalando los desafíos y oportunidades, describiendo sus principales resultados y analizando la complementariedad de estos estándares con la iniciativa de The Code, de ECPAT.
El estudio de caso fue desarrollado por ECPAT International en cooperación con la Fundación Renacer y ECPAT México.
Available in: Spanish