INHOPE has introduced new Guidelines on Advocacy and Initiating Legislative Changes to support hotlines and other stakeholders in their advocacy and policymaking efforts.

As technology evolves, it presents new challenges in combatting online child sexual abuse material (CSAM). To address this, clear and comprehensive legislation is crucial for enabling hotlines and relevant stakeholders to quickly remove harmful content from the internet. The INHOPE Guidelines on Advocacy and Initiating Legislative Changes offer practical recommendations and strategies to advocate for improved national policies.

The guidelines cover best practices for every stage of an advocacy plan, from preparation and implementation to monitoring and evaluation. They also provide advice on critical aspects of the advocacy process, including building and maintaining stakeholder relationships. Additionally, the guidelines feature a template to help advocate for changing legal terminology from 'child pornography' to 'child sexual abuse material.'

Access the Advocacy Guidelines.

Explanatory Note on the EU Recast Directive

As part of this publication, INHOPE has also developed an Explanatory Note on the EU Recast CSA Directive. This note is designed to assist EU member hotlines in advocating for the implementation of Article 5(8) of the proposed Recast CSA Directive at the national level, once it becomes law.

INHOPE underscores the importance of ensuring hotlines have the authority to act on CSAM reports, using correct terminology, and fostering collaboration among all stakeholders under national legislation. Advocacy for stronger CSAM legislation at the national level is more important than ever.

Access the Explanatory Note.


We would like to thank APLE Cambodia, Fundación Pas México, ECPAT Sweden, Film and Publication Board, Internet Watch Foundation, and National Center for Missing & Exploited Children for sharing their experiences and recommendations for the creation of the Guidelines.