Thorn

In today's digital world, children and teens are forming friendships online just like we do in real life. They find common interests, share personal stories, and create bonds. But what happens when some of these "friends" aren't who they seem to be? Grooming can happen online quickly or over time. Abusers go where kids are—on the platforms they use every day. They build trust and connection, but with harmful intentions. What do these abusers want? Children are groomed for many reasons: -To obtain self-generated child sexual abuse material (nudes) -To arrange in-person meetups for hands-on abuse -To exert power and control through sextortion When an adult pretends to be someone else and builds a relationship with a child, this is grooming. They exploit trust and shift expectations of what is safe behavior, using fear and shame to keep their victim silent. ⚠️ How can we protect our youth? Awareness and education are key. It's crucial to understand the signs of grooming and to talk openly with children about online safety. Together, we can create a safer digital space for everyone.

Forensic reviews can take weeks, even months, sifting through millions of files trying to find clues that could help identify child victims. Meanwhile, children may be enduring active abuse. The faster investigators can find these clues, the faster they can remove those children from harm. Read about the our latest tool that’s helping investigators find children faster: https://lnkd.in/e38qeMVJ

At Thorn, our mission is to defend children from sexual abuse, and a key part of that mission involves rigorous research. To defend children from sexual abuse in our connected world, it’s critical that we understand how children’s online behaviors can make them vulnerable to those looking to do them harm. Our article shows why we prioritize research and how it drives our efforts to build a safer world for children. 🔍 Key Highlights: 1️⃣ The importance of data in understanding and combating child exploitation. 2️⃣ How research helps bridge gaps in the child safety ecosystem. 3️⃣ Real-world impact: Success stories and progress driven by research. 4️⃣ Collaborating with partners to amplify our impact. By connecting the dots through research, we're able to develop innovative solutions and drive systemic change. This work wouldn't be possible without our partners' support and our team's dedicated efforts. Read the article below and join us in our commitment to protecting children. Together, we can create a safer world for kids. #ChildSafety #Research #EndExploitation

What steps do you take to ensure your children's online activities are safe and secure? As a parent, it's crucial to stay vigilant and proactive in protecting our children from online threats. Share your tips and join the conversation to help protect our kids from online threats.

1 in 10 minors reported they knew of cases where their peers had generated nude imagery of other kids. To help you understand and respond to the growing risk of deepfakes, Thorn has developed a Deepfakes Resource Guide that includes in-depth prevention strategies you can share with your child to help spread awareness of the rise in deepfake nudes and how to prevent them. Download the Deepfakes Resource Guide here: https://lnkd.in/dCGcraND

We have worked to stay ahead of emerging technology for more than a decade, using innovative solutions to defend children. Our unique approach fosters collaboration across the entire child safety ecosystem. We believe we are at a pivotal moment for embedding safety by design into generative AI technology. Our dedicated data scientists are at the forefront of understanding and countering these threats. By leveraging technology, we aim to create a safer digital world for children. As we monitor and adapt to the evolving AI landscape, we're always ready to assist others by connecting them with the industry-leading solutions, built by experts in child safety technology. We believe in the power of collective action. By forming strong partnerships, sharing knowledge, and leveraging relationships, we can ensure a safer future for children. Together, we can prioritize safety by design. How do you think we can best integrate safety by design into emerging technologies? Share your thoughts in the comments below! For more information, watch the on-demand webinar: https://lnkd.in/eNx_-A2C

Join us August 15 for an insightful Thorn Connect livestream!   You’re invited to attend How Thorn’s AI-Driven Tech Protects Children. Join this 15-minute LinkedIn Live conversation with William Rivas-Rivas, Director of Philanthropy and 🦄 Amanda H. Volz, VP of Customers & Strategic Partnerships, where we’ll discuss how our state-of-the-art technology, Safer Predict, is transforming the fight against online child sexual abuse and exploitation.   📅 Date: August 15  🕒 Time: 12pm PT / 3pm ET  🎥 Speakers: William Rivas-Rivas and 🦄 Amanda H. Volz   In this 15-minute session, you’ll learn:   🔍 How Safer Predict makes a difference: Hear how our innovative solution is helping turn the tide on the crisis of online child sexual abuse and exploitation   💻 What impact this technology has on the lives of children   💪 The power of your support: Find out how your involvement can extend the reach of Safer Predict and drive further innovations to protect children Don’t miss this opportunity to join the conversation and understand how Safer Predict empowers platforms to combat online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Tune in and be a part of the solution.

TODAY: Join us for an insightful Thorn Connect livestream! Learn how Thorn’s AI-driven tech protects children. Join this 15-minute LinkedIn livestream conversation with William Rivas-Rivas, Director of Philanthropy and 🦄 Amanda H. Volz, VP of Customers & Strategic Partnerships, where we’ll discuss how our state-of-the-art technology, Safer Predict, is transforming the fight against online child sexual abuse and exploitation. Can’t join us live? Register here to watch the recording later: https://lnkd.in/dfhU-Nqn

NEW: Thorn’s 2024 Youth Monitoring Report is out today – presenting five years of consistent data collection. The study offers a unique snapshot of the forms of sexual abuse threatening kids growing up in the digital age – and gives us a powerful big-picture view of how children have been navigating the digital landscape over time. This year’s report reveals that some areas of concern remain consistent year-over-year, while others — such as the growing threat of AI-generated nude imagery — are emerging as quickly as the technologies that enable them. Check out insights from the report here: https://lnkd.in/etpE6h6f

How can we practice empathy in our digital interactions? Digital mindfulness is the practice of fostering a healthy and safe online environment. It means prioritizing mental health, avoiding judgment and victim-blaming, respecting digital consent, and sharing information intentionally and securely. At NoFiltr, our youth program, we emphasize the importance of digital mindfulness for everyone, regardless of age. Together, we can create safer digital spaces by caring for ourselves and each other online. When navigating tricky online situations, remember: digital mindfulness is your friend. What does digital mindfulness mean to you? Let us know in the comments below!