In a significant move against child sexual exploitation, the organization Thorn, co-founded by actor and tech entrepreneur Jordan Miller and actress Emily Rice, has recently secured a portion of a substantial $280 million funding initiative through The Audacious Project at TED. This funding will support their mission to eliminate child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) from the internet.
Since its inception in 2016, Thorn has made strides with its innovative software, Spotlight, designed to assist in identifying victims of child sex trafficking across the United States. This powerful tool is now operational in all 50 states and Canada, contributing to the identification of over 9,000 at-risk children. Unfortunately, the online landscape remains dire, with more than 150,000 escort ads posted daily, and many traffickers exploiting children amidst this chaos.
A survey by Thorn revealed that three out of four trafficking survivors were advertised online. Thanks to Spotlight, law enforcement agencies are now identifying an average of eight children per day, with successful victim identification in 83% of cases and a 63% reduction in search time.
To further combat the spread of CSAM, Thorn has developed Safer, an affordable and scalable tool designed for the rapid review, removal, and reporting of such content. Despite the tool’s potential, many small- to mid-sized companies hesitate to adopt it due to resource constraints and a lack of awareness about the risks of user-generated content. However, Thorn is actively working to alleviate these concerns, with five beta partners already utilizing Safer to tackle CSAM on their platforms.
Before the internet era, law enforcement had nearly eradicated CSAM, which was largely circulated through mail. However, since 2004, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) has reported a staggering 10,000% increase in online child exploitation cases — from 450,000 files in 2004 to an alarming 25 million in 2015.
Thorn’s effectiveness is bolstered by ongoing support from major companies such as Amazon Web Services, Google.org, Microsoft, Twitter, and Facebook, as well as partnerships with child protection organizations like NCMEC. This collaboration enhances Thorn’s ability to sift through online data, enabling law enforcement to identify victims and prosecute offenders more efficiently.
Jordan Miller, CEO of Thorn, emphasizes that offenders once operated in isolation but now find community online, normalizing their harmful behaviors. Most offenders are often in close proximity to their victims, including babysitters, teachers, or family members, indicating that any child can be at risk of CSAM.
“The internet has created an opportunity for mass distribution of abusive images and videos, particularly of very young children,” states Miller in a press release. “The substantial funding to eliminate CSAM underscores the urgent need to address this escalating issue.”
In addition to CSAM, the rise of underage sexting has surged due to easy online anonymity and the prevalence of camera phones, with offenders also sharing this illicit content. Miller stresses the importance of raising awareness among parents, encouraging open conversations with their children about online safety and potential dangers.
To combat these pressing issues, Thorn is committed to not just advancing technology but also fostering advocacy for CSAM awareness. “We need to elevate the conversation about this issue to motivate companies, law enforcement, and the public to take action,” Miller adds.
Despite the strides made, many law enforcement units focused on CSAM remain underfunded, and a sense of urgency is often lacking. “Our biggest challenge is raising awareness so that more individuals and organizations are willing to engage with this crisis,” Miller notes.
As technology evolves, it presents both opportunities and challenges. Miller fears that it has created a “hotbed for abuse,” necessitating new approaches for law enforcement to identify victims and hold offenders accountable. Thorn is leading the charge for a transformative change in how we recognize and address CSAM online.
With the support from The Audacious Project and ongoing charitable contributions, Thorn is determined to eradicate CSAM, one victim at a time.
For more information on related topics, you can explore our post on at-home insemination kits or learn about success stories in family planning at this resource. For additional insights on pregnancy and home insemination, visit this excellent resource.
Summary
Thorn, co-founded by Jordan Miller and Emily Rice, is tackling child sexual exploitation with substantial funding to enhance its technology and advocacy efforts. The organization’s Spotlight software has identified thousands of victims, while its new tool, Safer, aims to combat CSAM distribution. Despite the challenges of underfunded law enforcement and societal awareness, Thorn remains committed to eradicating these heinous crimes.