Tech Coalition Safe Online Research Fund tackles online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), therefore they are seeking proposals for research that will expand knowledge of online CSEA and explore the most effective measures for preventing it.
Research should increase their understanding and provide the application of:
- Efficacy and impact of online CSEA deterrence and prevention interventions, including an understanding of offender pathways and children’s digital experiences. This includes increasing the evidence base for effective, actionable industry reporting to and investigation by the appropriate authorities; impactful education and outreach strategies; and strengthening the capacity of all stakeholders in preventing, disrupting and responding to online CSEA.
- Evolving technology may present new or exacerbate existing threats by contributing to changes in offenders or children’s behaviour or creating new challenges and risks. The research could provide solutions to respond to implications of evolving technology, for example, abuse detection in encrypted environments or real-time reporting in live streams. This area of focus also includes potential solutions and opportunities offered by technology developments for risk mitigation and better tools and strategies around behavioral interventions.
- Well-being, collaboration and support for survivors, improving well-being and resilience for staff such as content moderators and others, as well as enhancing collaboration among all sectors working to end online CSEA.
- Policy and legal considerations are critical to shaping online CSEA deterrence and response. In this channel, the research could include assessment of policy implementation over time and upstream interventions such as public health or safety-by-design approaches; addressing age-appropriate design and experiences; and understanding how privacy and ensuring children’s rights intersect in the fight against CSEA. Read More
The deadline to submit applications for this program is 11-Apr-2021.