Earlier this year, Binance partnered with INHOPE to help tackle the spread of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online. In this article, Binance shares how blockchain transparency, advanced investigative tools, and cross-industry collaboration can support efforts to disrupt criminal networks and strengthen online child protection.

Can you tell us a bit about Binance?

Binance is the leading global blockchain ecosystems and the operator of the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume and registered users. Trusted by over 275 million people across more than 100 countries, Binance is known for its industry-leading security, transparency, and lightning-fast trading engine.

Our platform offers an unmatched portfolio of digital asset products and services, spanning trading, finance, education, research, social impact initiatives, payments, institutional solutions, and cutting-edge Web3 features. At Binance, we are dedicated to building an inclusive crypto ecosystem that empowers people worldwide by increasing financial access and freedom through crypto as a fundamental means.

What motivated you to partner with INHOPE?

At Binance, we are deeply committed to creating a safer digital ecosystem for all. This commitment drives us to proactively partner with a wide range of stakeholders – including outstanding organisations, vendors, and law enforcement agencies – to combat online crime and protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation.

With the rising global adoption of digital assets, there remains a significant need for greater education and awareness around their role in the broader digital landscape. Rather than contributing to criminal activity, blockchain technology provides powerful tools to enhance crime detection and reporting efforts. By leveraging the transparency and traceability inherent in blockchain, we can improve the ability to track illicit activity and disrupt harmful networks.

As the global leader in the digital-asset space, we recognise our responsibility to ensure the security of the digital financial ecosystem. While the blockchain is transparent, decentralised payment methods are still being exploited by criminals for the exchange of CSAM material. By combining our investigative expertise and technological capabilities with INHOPE’s extensive global network, we aim to strengthen efforts to prevent the sexual exploitation of children and dismantle online criminal activity. Together, we are working towards a safer, more secure digital environment where vulnerable individuals are protected and justice can be more effectively served.

What are you doing to support online child protection efforts?

At Binance, protecting children online is a top priority. We employ a multi-layered approach combining advanced technology, expert investigations, and strong partnerships to detect, prevent, and disrupt illicit activity related to child exploitation on our platform. Our comprehensive and proactive approach to online child protection is focused on several key pillars including:

• Continuous Monitoring & Investigation: Our dedicated investigators and monitoring systems constantly monitor the platform for any exposure to CSAM, CSEA, FMSE, or related activities. Any potential suspicious activity will be promptly investigated, suspended, and reported.
• Collaborative Partnerships: We work closely with law enforcement, private sector organisations, and child protection networks like INHOPE to share intelligence and expertise and to conduct investigations to identify broader networks. We also regularly deliver free training to both law enforcement and public sector parties to empower them with the knowledge to detect and investigate illicit activities on the blockchain.
• Advanced Blockchain Analytics: We trace illicit transactions and analyse flagged users’ activities to identify both individual offenders and wider illicit networks, enabling us to disrupt criminal activity on a global scale.
• Real-Time Intelligence & Support: We provide authorities with actionable intelligence and technical expertise to detect, report, and dismantle criminal activity exploiting decentralised payment methods. We have also supported law enforcement in various ‘live’ investigations, leading to the successful arrest of child abuse suspects.
• Targeted Compliance Training: Our compliance team receives specialised training to identify transactional patterns and behaviours associated with child exploitation, enhancing our detection capabilities.
  Through these efforts, Binance remains committed to fostering a safer digital environment and preventing the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.
  
  

What would you consider some of your biggest achievements to date?

One of Binance’s most significant achievements has been our support in the takedown of Kidflix, one of the world’s largest child abuse platforms with nearly 2 million users. On 11 March 2025, German and Dutch authorities successfully dismantled Kidflix during “Operation Stream,” a major effort to combat online child exploitation.

Binance collaborated closely with the State Criminal Police of Bavaria and the Bavarian Central Office for the Prosecution of Cybercrime by providing operational intelligence and advanced blockchain analysis. Our forensic tools helped trace cryptocurrency payments on public blockchains, enabling law enforcement to identify over 120 Kidflix users involved in the platform’s illicit activities.

This operation highlights the power of blockchain transparency and Binance’s commitment to using technology for the greater good. We are proud to work alongside global authorities to ensure cryptocurrency is used responsibly and to help create a safer online environment worldwide.

Is there anything else you'd like to share with our network?

While cryptocurrency adoption continues to grow each year, awareness of how cryptocurrencies may be involved in CSAM-related activities remains limited. For individuals or organisations unfamiliar with cryptocurrency transactions, addresses, and transaction hashes, identifying or recognising such activity can be challenging. Therefore, building knowledge in this area is essential. Binance is committed to supporting you and your organisation in gaining the expertise needed to better understand and address these issues.