Safer Internet Day

INHOPE

INHOPE, the International Association of Internet Hotlines, was founded in 1999 under the European Commission’s Safer Internet Action Plan to combat the growing concern of illegal content. INHOPE co-ordinates a global network of Internet Hotlines, supporting them in their fight against child sexual abuse images & material on the Internet.

INHOPE was founded in 1999 and has grown to a network of 43 Hotlines in 37 countries around the world. The mission of the INHOPE Association is to support and enhance the performance of Internet Hotlines around the world, ensuring swift action is taken in responding to reports of illegal content including child sexual abuse material, making the Internet a safer place.

Goals 

• To maintain a worldwide network of national Hotlines 

• To ensure rapid and effective response to reports of illegal content by developing consistent, effective and secure mechanisms for exchanging reports between Hotlines internationally, and ensuring a coordinated approach is taken 

• To implement INHOPE policies and best practice standards for Hotlines and encourage exchange of expertise 

• To expand the network of INHOPE members providing consultation and training of Hotlines to meet INHOPE best practice standards 

• To educate and inform policymakers and stakeholders at an international level, including government, law enforcement, child welfare groups, industry and other related bodies, with the aim of achieving improved international cooperation 

• To raise awareness of INHOPE and member Hotlines as a single point of contact for global reports of illegal content 

• To identify new trends in cyber crimes and develop solutions 

Illegal use of the Internet 

The Internet has changed the way we communicate, the way we do business and ultimately the way we live. Unfortunately, as with many new forms of technology, there is also a downside to the Internet. In the mid 1990’s concerns were raised over the new types of illegal content being found online, the key areas of concern being:

• Child sexual abuse images

• Online Grooming

• Hate Speech 

• Hotlines have a key role to play in making the Internet a safer place. 

• International Cooperation 

Often illegal material reported to Hotlines is hosted beyond the borders of their own country and the national jurisdiction. The global network of INHOPE member Hotlines provides a means to pass the relevant information, without delay, to be handled in the country where the site is hosted.

Illegal activity on the Internet is a cross border problem that no organisation can effectively tackle alone. Hotlines have the support of their national government, Internet industry, law enforcement, and Internet users in the country of operation and they offer effective transparent procedures for dealing with reports.

To report illegal content please visit www.inhope.org