The History of INHOPE
INHOPE was founded in 1999 by eight European hotlines from Austria, France, Ireland, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and three from Germany. These organisations came together to address the growing threat of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) online by creating a coordinated international network that could respond quickly and effectively to public reports.
Originally known as the International Hotline Operators of Europe, INHOPE has since grown into a global network. Today, the name INHOPE reflects a shared belief in collaboration, action, and the hope for a safer internet free from child sexual exploitation.
Our Members
At the core of INHOPE’s mission are its member hotlines. These national organisations offer the public a secure and anonymous way to report suspected CSAM. Each hotline adheres to INHOPE’s Member hotlines have to comply with a Code of Practice, ensuring reports are handled professionally, ethically, and in a timely manner. Through ICCAM, INHOPE’s secure technology platform, hotlines can classify and share reports across borders and with law enforcement partners, enabling faster removal of illegal content worldwide.
Governance
INHOPE is a member-driven organisation. Its governance is overseen by a Board elected by the network’s hotlines, ensuring transparency and accountability. The Board includes a President, Vice-President, Treasurer, and other representatives, each serving a two-year term. All Board members are registered with the Dutch Chamber of Commerce (KvK Amsterdam), and the electoral process is outlined in INHOPE’s Articles of Association.
This democratic structure ensures INHOPE remains run for its members, by its members, fostering collaboration, trust, and a shared commitment to protecting children online.
