The eSafety Commissioner’s Illegal and Restricted Content Team (IRCT) recently hosted a 2-day study visit for members of the Indo-Pacific Chapter of INHOPE, including Seila Samleang – Director, APLE Cambodia (INHOPE Board member), Srida Tanta-Atipanit – Manager, Thai Hotline, Claire Chen – ECPACT Taiwan, and Ginno Corral – Senior Analyst, ECPAT Philippines.

The study visit was held at the eSafety Commissioner’s Sydney office between 11-12 June 2024, and was part of a broader program intended to strengthen regional coordination and collaboration within the chapter by sharing approaches on content investigation, technology, education and awareness, and international engagement.

Discussions during the study visit focussed on relevant regional response strategies to combat online Child Sexual Abuse Material, and further developing hotline engagement. During the study visit, chapter members were given first-hand insight into the record management systems and content assessment processes utilised by the eSafety Commissioner, along with presentations from various sections within the eSafety Commissioner’s office (both from the Investigations and Industry Regulation and Legal Services Branches), as well as the Australian Centre to Combat Child Exploitation (ACCCE).

The study visit was deemed a success by all in attendance, and more events will be planned at the regional level for INHOPE hotlines in the near future.