Hope For Children battling the use of emerging technologies as a tool for abuse

On the occasion of the European Day on the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse on 18 November, 'Hope For Children' CRC Policy Center, under the guidelines of the Council of Europe, aims to highlight the importance of preventing the sexual abuse of children in today’s digital world.

While new technologies offer significant opportunities for education and entertainment, they also pose new challenges in protecting children from online abuse, an announcement from the organisation notes.

"This year, the focus is on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (XR), including the Metaverse, which are increasingly being misused for crimes of child sexual abuse. These technologies heighten risks such as grooming, harassment, and exposure to harmful content via social media platforms, online games, and virtual networks," its announcement continues.

The Lanzarote Committee of the Council of Europe recently adopted a related Declaration emphasising the need for greater awareness of the risks associated with these technologies and the development of tools to enhance child safety. It stresses the importance of collaboration among all stakeholders to prevent incidents of sexual abuse, especially through the use of online platforms and digital media. Hope For Children participates in this Committee as an Observer, monitoring developments on the issue of child sexual abuse at the European level and promoting actions implemented in Cyprus.

Alarming Statistics

According to global data, electronic service providers detected 32 million reports of child sexual abuse images in 2022. In Cyprus, the 'Children’s House' received reports of sexual violence involving 469 children in 2023, while by October 2024, there were 330 reports. Additionally, the Cybercrime Unit of the Cyprus Police handled 203 cases in 2023 involving 106 minor victims, and 161 cases in 2024 with 96 minor victims reported by October 31.

Leveraging Technology for Prevention and Protection

Emerging technologies can also provide opportunities to enhance prevention and protection efforts through automated detection and reporting of illegal content. Raising awareness across all levels of society is essential to prevent the misuse of these technologies and harness their potential to protect children, Hope For Children points out.

ECLAG Initiative

The organisation also participates in the ECLAG (European Child Sexual Abuse Legislation Advocacy Group) initiative, which calls on state leaders to take immediate measures to prevent and address sexual abuse.

Through an open letter co-signed by Hope For Children, the ECLAG initiative emphasises the need for preventive and corrective measures, such as stricter regulation of online platforms and the establishment of support services for child victims. Specifically, the initiative calls on state leaders to:

- Strengthen legislative frameworks to protect children from online sexual abuse.

- Educate children and their families on the safe use of the internet and emerging technologies.

- Support victims and their families by providing specialised services and psychological assistance.

"The European Day on the Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation and Abuse serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility to safeguard children from all forms of violence. Together, we can create a safer environment for our children, with a focus on their prevention and protection in the digital world," Hope For Children's announcement concludes.

For more information about the specialised services and educational prevention activities provided by Hope For Children, please contact 22103234 or visit the online platform at www.uncrcpc.org.cy