Take It Down works by assigning a unique digital fingerprint, called a hash value, to specific images or videos. When tech platforms sign up to participate, they are provided these hash value so they can detect and remove the imagery on their public or unencrypted sites and apps. This all happens without the image or video ever leaving a device or anyone viewing it. At launch, Facebook, Instagram, MindGeek, OnlyFans and Yubo are participating in the new program. We hope to have many more join soon.

Since the initial launch in the end of December 2022, more than 200 cases have been submitted. We hope that you will join us in spreading the word about this exciting new tool! Please share this with the parents and trusted adults in your life and encourage them to do the same, to help us expand on programs like Take it Down and reach even more a-risk teens.

For more information, visit https://takeitdown.ncmec.org/

Before giving a child an electronic device like a cell phone, tablet, or even gaming system, parents, grandparents, and guardians are encouraged to educate themselves on how to keep their children safe online. In addition, parents must engage in a continuing conversation with their children about their online interactions. It is essential for children to feel comfortable coming forward to discuss online activities that may bother them.

With their children’s input, parents should implement a safety plan that addresses possible bothersome online scenarios that may be concerning for all sides. The safety plan should evolve and be updated as needed. In addition, parents are encouraged to monitor their children’s online activities to keep them safe from predators. Utilizing screen time to limit online activities, especially late at night, or software designed to monitor online activities is encouraged.

When a child becomes a victim of child exploitation, it is a complex and trying time for the child and their family. There are multiple empowering and supportive online resources for exploited victims and families. NCMEC and other child protection organizations work to make the road to recovery one that is not traveled alone.

Sextortion is digital blackmail and an increasingly troubling online crime. It concerns an online predator who misrepresents themselves and convinces (catfishes) an unwitting victim to share nude or partially nude depictions of themselves. Once the predator has the depictions, they immediately make demands for money or more sexualized depictions utilizing threats to post the acquired content on the profile pages of family or friends. The online predator may be an acquaintance or a stranger. Law enforcement has found these online predators may even friend a child’s friends online to give the appearance they are trusted.