Category

The Issue

The Issue
May 16, 2023

Redefining “Child Pornography”

It's a nightmare reality happening at alarming rates: a child is sexually abused – and evidence of that abuse has spread across the internet like wildfire. This abuse material is traumatizing, toxic, illegal and definitely NOT pornography.
Read More
The Issue
April 20, 2023

Keeping Kids Safe in an Ever-Evolving Digital Era

How did we get here, to this place where technology has become such a double-edged sword? And how is Thorn responding to ensure we are on the right path to defend children? Let’s take a closer look.
Read More
The Issue
March 17, 2023

Decoding the Acronyms Used in Fighting Child Sexual Abuse

The language we use to talk about child sexual abuse is important. Familiarize yourself with the latest terms and definitions from Thorn to increase your knowledge.
Read More
The Issue
February 24, 2021

Why an increase in reports of CSAM is actually a good thing

Today the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) released its annual overview of the number of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) reports the organization received in 2020.  The 2020 overview from NCMEC is highlighted by a 28% increase…
Read More
External shot of the New York Times building in New York City.
The Issue
March 5, 2020

Here’s what you need to know about The New York Times podcasts on CSAM

The Daily, a podcast from the New York Times, recently produced two episodes on the state of child sexual abuse material on the Internet which were the culmination of months of reporting. It’s a hard story to tell, but we…
Read More
Group of young friends using smart phone in an urban area.
The Issue
October 9, 2019

Scale of the Problem: How Technology Has Changed the Landscape

Our work does not exist in isolation — we rely on strong relationships with a broad ecosystem of partners, all of whom share our dedication to defending children from sexual abuse. Our initiative to eliminate child sexual abuse material (child…
Read More
The Issue
January 2, 2018

Rebecca Bender: I was trafficked in plain sight

During Human Trafficking Awareness Month, we’re giving a voice to survivors and those working on the front lines of trafficking. While we’re proud of the results of our tools to identify victims faster, we know that the issue doesn’t end…
Read More
Stop it now
The Issue
October 20, 2015

Stop It Now Campaign Works to Deter Child Abuse Imagery

Worldwide, individuals use the Internet to find child sexual abuse material and connect with others who share their sexual interest in children. This behavior occurs under an assumed level of anonymity, and although some may recognize that this behavior is…
Read More
The Issue
July 29, 2015

Microsoft Expands PhotoDNA to Fight Child Abuse Imagery

Advances in connectivity, data storage, file sharing and smartphone technology have contributed to an explosive increase in child sexual abuse imagery, making it easier for those who share abusive content to connect and form communities. Traditionally, identification and classification of child sexual…
Read More
The Issue
June 5, 2015

Global Collaboration to Combat Child Abuse Imagery Online

Earlier this year, Thorn was asked to join the Advisory Board of INHOPE - The International Association of Internet Hotlines, which works with industry and law enforcement partners to ensure that child abuse imagery on the Internet is taken down…
Read More