We cannot allow the internet to be a source of exploitation and suffering.


** Increasing Protections for Children Online
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Over the past year, tech companies have been in the spotlight about the need to protect children and address the proliferation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the internet. In October, a former Facebook employee testified before Congress ([link removed]) that the company knowingly spread misinformation and content that harms children. At the same time, IT companies have met with anti-trafficking advocates and stakeholders to share proposals for monitoring and combatting harmful content on their platforms.

ECPAT-USA has been at the center of this issue, advocating for child protection on Capitol Hill. In response, Congress is prioritizing legislation that assesses the psychological impact of technology on children, increases safeguards for privacy and protection, and limits the ability for companies to refuse responsibility in favor of measures that stand to protect profit margins.

Senators Edward Markey and Bill Cassidy introduced S.1628, the Children and Teens’ Online Privacy Protection Act ([link removed]) . This bill takes meaningful steps to protect children and teenagers by updating the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) so that privacy rules meet the demands of the 21st century. CSAM has drastically increased in the last year, and reducing the availability of children's personal data online is foundational to reducing harms that exist on the internet.

In the House, Representative Kathy Castor recently introduced H.R. 5703, Protecting the Information of our Vulnerable Children Act ([link removed]) . This bill also builds upon COPPA to modernize current internet safeguards. Companies have impeded upon the current minimal privacy standards, leaving children more susceptible to victimization online. Predators are strategic in targeting children, and addressing privacy and protection is an important step to ensure safety online.

With continuous advances in technology, children face new risks daily, calling for a multidisciplinary approach to halt it. ECPAT-USA remains committed to protecting children by supporting legislative initiatives that prevent these unconscionable harms.

Learn more about cases related to sex trafficking across the country that recently made headlines:
* Billings Man Accused of Attempted Coercion, Enticement For Sex With Minor ([link removed]) : The man was arrested for allegedly trying to entice a mother and her underage child to have sex with him.
* Augusta Woman Admits To Participation In Child Sex Trafficking Conspiracy ([link removed]) : The woman and her husband, who currently awaits trial, also were found to be in possession of child sexual abuse material.
* She Was A Victim Of Child Sex Trafficking - And Sent To Prison. Now She Has A Chance At Freedom ([link removed]) : In 2011, when Tiffany Simpson was 17, she was arrested for child sex trafficking in Georgia, the very crime that had happened to her. An upcoming habeas hearing will determine if Tiffany, now 28, will have a chance at freedom.

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SAVE THE DATE -
GIVING TUESDAY 2021

Join us on Tuesday, November 30, for Giving Tuesday, the global day dedicated to giving back. For this special day of giving, we are calling on our strongest supporters to partner with us in ending child trafficking across the country.
Learn more. ([link removed])

SUPPORT OUR PROGRAMS ([link removed])
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ECPAT-USA is the leading policy organization in the United States seeking to end the commercial, sexual exploitation of children through awareness, advocacy, policy, and legislation. Join us ([link removed]) .

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