Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has released the Fiscal Year 2024 report for Project iGuardian, part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Know2Project campaign aimed at combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. The initiative, led by HSI special agents and experts, focuses on educating various audiences about online safety and reporting suspicious activities.

"These results highlight the program's success in empowering communities to identify and report suspicious online behavior that could put children at risk of exploitation," said Robert Hammer, Assistant Director of HSI Cyber and Operational Technology.

Project iGuardian was relaunched in October 2023 with updated content and materials tailored for different age groups. "As technology advances, so do the tactics of online predators," said Kate Kennedy, Know2Protect Campaign Director. "It’s essential for Know2Protect to continually evolve Project iGuardian."

In FY 2024, Project iGuardian reached over 122,000 people through more than 1,100 presentations worldwide. The program also generated approximately 75 victim disclosures and 77 investigative leads.

The re-launch comes amid rising global rates of online child exploitation. Kennedy emphasized the importance of the project: "Project iGuardian is a vital tool for reaching teens, children, parents and other trusted adults in communities across the world."

HSI encourages community members to participate in presentations to help spread important safety information. Reports of child sexual exploitation can be made through local law enforcement or specific hotlines provided by HSI.

"The ultimate goal is to prevent child sexual exploitation before it happens," continued Hammer.