Bringing together 112 hotline analysts, managers and partners from 28 countries, the three-day meeting explored new challenges, practical tools and ways to strengthen the response to child sexual abuse online.
From 22 to 24 September, INHOPE hosted its annual Online Hotline Training Meeting, bringing together hotline professionals and partners for three days of learning and exchange. Funded by the European Commission through the Better Internet for Kids (BIK) programme, the meeting featured contributions from experts across law enforcement, research, industry and civil society.
Across the programme, participants explored how hotlines can respond to emerging threats, strengthen prevention and intelligence, and support the people at the heart of this work.
The first day focused on the practical challenges hotline analysts face. Point de Contact shared lessons from 18 months as a trusted flagger under the Digital Services Act (DSA), while NASK explored how analysts can assess AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
A live session with Roblox also marked the start of a new partnership between the platform and INHOPE, opening up opportunities for further collaboration on online child safety.
The second day broadened the discussion, looking at how different approaches can strengthen the response to child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA).
Sessions covered a public health approach to child sexual abuse, research into hosting providers’ compliance, global CSEA data trends from Childlight, and the evolving ecosystem around the trade in CSAM. INTERPOL also shared insights into its work to identify victims using information from hotline reports.
Together, these discussions highlighted how hotline work contributes beyond content removal, supporting a wider understanding of harm and informing efforts to prevent it.
The final day explored the wider human and societal dimensions of child sexual abuse. Playwright used drama to bring the ripple effects of offending into focus, while Two Zero and Spitfire Strategies examined how changing public narratives can build support for prevention.
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation also presented findings from its work on deterrence messaging, highlighting the role of prevention alongside detection and response.
Analyst wellbeing was a thread throughout all three days, with dedicated sessions led by BEE SECURE and a counselling psychologist from Merseyside Police.
Working with reports of child sexual abuse material can take a significant personal toll. Making space for wellbeing is therefore an important part of supporting the people who carry out this work day after day.
The meeting reinforced that hotline work goes far beyond removing harmful content. Every report can contribute to identifying victims, informing research and strengthening prevention.
Behind this work are dedicated professionals whose expertise, judgement and care are essential to protecting children online. INHOPE thanks every analyst, partner and speaker who contributed to the meeting, as well as the European Commission for its support through the Better Internet for Kids programme.
By continuing to share knowledge and strengthen collaboration, we can build a more effective response to online child sexual abuse and move closer to a world where every child can grow up safe online.
