Australia's eSafety Commissioner and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, under the Australia – United States Joint Council on Combating Online Child Sexual Exploitation, hosted a workshop in Washington, D.C., from December 10 to December 11, 2024. The event gathered over 20 organizations from various sectors to discuss collaboration against online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA).
The Joint Council aims to develop a Safety by Design toolkit for online products and services that prioritize child safety. This toolkit will include best practices and innovative approaches for tackling online CSEA while addressing challenges related to adopting Safety by Design principles. It is expected to be published in mid-2025.
This initiative builds on efforts led by the DHS and the Australian Government to enhance international cooperation, technological innovation, and public education regarding CSEA threats. The Joint Council is chaired by U.S. Department of Homeland Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas and Australian Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus KC MP.
DHS Acting Policy Under Secretary Robert Paschall stated: “The scourge of child exploitation covers the world: from India to Pakistan, the Philippines to Australia and Europe to here at home in the United States. This crime is an affront to our most fundamental values." He emphasized the importance of partnerships with government allies, private sectors, and civil society in combating this issue.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant remarked: “We’ve reached a tipping point in online safety, particularly in protecting children from online harms." She highlighted Australia's ongoing reforms under the Online Safety Act as part of establishing higher safety standards.
The Joint Council was established following a joint statement by President Biden and Prime Minister Albanese on May 20, 2023, recognizing the need for enhanced responses to growing online CSEA threats.
For more information or reporting suspected CSEA cases in the U.S., visit Know2Protect.gov or use their Tipline at 833-591-KNOW (5669). In Australia, contact Crime Stoppers or report via appropriate channels like ACCCE or eSafety Commissioner websites.
