The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a collaboration with Snap Inc. to introduce the Know2Protect Snapchat Lens, a virtual tool aimed at helping teenagers identify and navigate online risks. This initiative is part of the DHS's Know2Protect campaign, which seeks to educate and empower various stakeholders about online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

According to an October 1 news release, the Know2Protect Snapchat Lens features a quiz format with true/false questions about online safety, providing tips to prevent potential harm. "The dangerous reality is that as safety protocols are put in place to protect children online, predators are already working to find ways around them," said Mike Prado, Deputy Assistant Director at the DHS Cyber Crimes Center. Prado emphasized that collaborative tools like this one empower teens with necessary information for their safety.

Know2Protect is a national public awareness campaign targeting children, teens, parents, trusted adults, and policymakers. Jacqueline Beauchere, Snap Inc.'s Global Head of Platform Security, said: "Snap is honored to be a founding member of Know2Protect — an important initiative to educate teens and adults about online child exploitation."

To access the Know2Protect lens on Snapchat, users need to open the lens explorer in the app and search for it in the active carousel. Kate Kennedy, Director of the Know2Protect Campaign, highlighted that this feature equips teens with vital information interactively and encourages parents and trusted adults to engage with it as well.

Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), an investigative arm of DHS established in 2010 through a merger within US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supports this initiative. HSI operates with over 10,000 employees across 235 offices in the United States and 93 overseas locations.