Homeland Security Investigations continues to bolster its public messaging when it comes to online child exploitation and abuse, but Special Agent in Charge of the Kansas City office Mark Zito is urging parents to get involved if they haven’t already done so — and if they have, to remain vigilant.
Unfortunately, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children reports more than 36 million CyberTipline reports of suspected online exploitation and abuse last year. Also, the 2023 We Protect Global Threat Assessment indicates a nearly 90-percent increase in child sex abuse materials worldwide the past five years. HSI, meanwhile identified or recovered over 1,800 child abuse and exploitation victims last year. It also started over 6,000 related investigations and made over 4,200 arrests, leading to over 2,400 indictments.
Zito’s recent interview with KVOE News highlights the work HSI is doing through its Know2Protect public awareness efforts and, specifically, the Project iGuardian “in-person educational arm.” Last year, HSI relaunched Project iGuardian with new and updated promotional materials and tailored messaging for children, teenagers and adults — offering a law enforcement viewpoint on the dangers of online exploitation and abuse.
HSI is the Department of Homeland Security’s main investigative wing. Besides focusing on child sex crimes, it investigates any and all “transnational” crime. Over 10,000 employees in 56 countries are part of the HSI effort.
More information is available at know2protect.gov. Also:
*Click here for the Know2Protect campaign playlist on YouTube.
*Click here for the Know2Protect Digital Safety Series playlist on YouTube.
If you believe someone is the victim of child sexual exploitation:
*Contact your local, state or tribal law enforcement officials directly. Call 911 in an emergency.
*Call the Know2Protect tip line at 1-833-591-KNOW. All information received via the tipline will be reviewed by appropriate personnel and referred to HSI field offices for potential investigation.
*Call 1-800-843-5678 or submit a CyberTipline report to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
