Over the past 25 years, INHOPE has grown from a group of 9 European hotlines to a global network of 54 hotlines across 50 countries. This expansion reflects decades of progress towards a safer digital world for children. With each new hotline, our network grows stronger and more united, amplifying our ability to respond to harmful content worldwide. Yet, as the scale and complexity of online threats continue to grow, so does the need for stronger action and greater collaboration. Our fight against child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online is far from over.

Where Do We Stand?

INHOPE’s network expansion plays a critical role in establishing hotlines in regions where they are most needed. In the past year alone, we welcomed new hotlines from Argentina, Moldova, Ukraine, and Slovakia. At the same time, we’ve been laying the groundwork for future hotlines in Latin America, sub-Saharan Africa, and Asia, focusing on regions where local support is essential.

A hotline provides a safe, trusted way for people to report harmful content locally. This empowers communities to address their unique challenges while contributing to the global fight against CSAM. Yet, no hotline operates in isolation. By joining the INHOPE network, they become part of an international community of over 200 trained analysts. These experts classify content, collaborate with law enforcement, and ensure swift removal of illegal material. Through ongoing training, peer-to-peer exchanges, and shared expertise, our network ensures every hotline has the support needed to fulfil its mission.

Technology and Collaboration

A cornerstone of INHOPE’s efforts is ICCAM, a secure platform hosted by INTERPOL, which enables the rapid exchange of CSAM reports between hotlines. In 2024, INHOPE analysts exchanged over one million reports through the platform, underscoring its essential role in combating online abuse. Recent upgrades have further enhanced ICCAM's speed and reliability, but technology alone is not enough—tackling CSAM requires collaboration and a shared commitment to protecting children online.

INHOPE's close cooperation with organisations like the European Commission, INTERPOL, and Europol have significantly accelerated response times, while also driving the development of new tools to ensure that platforms prioritise user safety. We are also proud to work alongside key institutional partners including Insafe, Safe Online, ECPAT, ICMEC, the Tech Coalition, WeProtect Global Alliance, Child Helpline International, the Virtual Global Taskforce, and the Council of Europe. Together, these collaborations strengthen the global fight against CSAM, ensuring a coordinated and effective approach across borders.

Our work would not be possible without the unwavering support of our valued funding partners. Companies like Microsoft, Trend Micro, Google, Resolver, Meta, Snap, Tether, TikTok, Amazon, CloudFlare, Zepeto, Grayshift, and Discord play a pivotal role in our mission. Their commitment to child protection, both through funding and active collaboration, is integral to addressing this complex issue. By working hand in hand with these partners, we continue to drive progress and make a tangible impact in the fight against CSAM.

To foster these essential collaborations and drive further progress, the INHOPE Summit serves as a key platform for uniting stakeholders against CSAM online. Held annually, it encourages greater transparency and cooperation across sectors, while highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships. Over the past seven years, the Summit has fostered greater openness and commitment from tech companies, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships. Yet, as technology evolves, so does the need for more proactive industry involvement. Preventing CSAM requires a shared, long-term commitment to protecting children worldwide.

Promoting United Solutions

As a global organisation, INHOPE strives to harmonise efforts to combat CSAM worldwide. Differences in laws and practices can progress slowly, so we focus on bridging these gaps with consistent tools and frameworks to empower all continents.

The Universal Classification Schema is a cornerstone of this work, ensuring that CSAM reports are classified consistently across countries. This global standard enhances cross-border collaboration and improves the efficiency of responses. Additionally, our Global CSAM Legislative Overview supports countries in strengthening their legal frameworks, offering practical resources for policy development and advocacy.

To complement these efforts, our advocacy guidelines provide hotlines with the necessary tools to drive legislative and societal change. These resources reflect our commitment to building a world where every country has the foundation to prevent and combat CSAM.

Looking Ahead: A Call to Action

As we celebrate 25 years of progress, INHOPE remains steadfast in its vision of a world free from CSAM in the digital world. Yet, the road ahead is long, and the challenges are immense. Achieving this vision requires sustained and expanded support from governments, online platforms, technology companies, internet service providers, NGOs, and other stakeholders.

We invite you to join us in this mission. Help us reach key stakeholders in countries where a reporting mechanism for CSAM online is still missing. Explore our partnership pack to discover how you can contribute to creating safer digital spaces for children. Together, we can build on 25 years of progress and drive forward the critical work that lies ahead. Let’s shape the next chapter of this journey together.