Public Interest Registry and Internet Watch Foundation Join Forces to Combat Online Child Abuse Sites

Combating Online Child Exploitation

In a significant step toward enhancing online safety, the Public Interest Registry (PIR), which manages the .ORG Top-Level Domain, has joined forces with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). Their new partnership is designed to tackle the grave issue of online child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by empowering domain name registrars to disrupt criminal enterprises that exploit this horrendous market.

Understanding the Initiative

Launched on October 22, 2025, this initiative aims to provide domain registrars—accredited organizations responsible for selling domain names—access to advanced tools developed by IWF at no cost. The primary goal is to identify and disable the websites that perpetuate the commercialization of child sexual exploitation materials. Through this collaboration, registrars will receive real-time alerts concerning the registration of domains linked to these harmful activities, allowing for swift action against offenders.

According to Kerry Smith, Chief Executive at the IWF, “In a world where so much is available to buy online, it is truly appalling to think that children’s distress is viewed as a commercial opportunity by organized crime.” This statement underscores the grim reality that recognizable brands exist within the dark corners of the internet, profiting from the suffering of children.

How It Works

This initiative builds on a previous successful collaboration between PIR and IWF that began in February 2024. Initially, it focused on providing other registries and registry service providers in the domain registration industry with free access to essential IWF services. These included the Domain Alerts program and the TLD Hopping List, which aided in streamlining the disruption of CSAM identified by the IWF.

By extending the sponsorship to all domain registrars, PIR is broadening the impact of its mission. The expectation is that with the new tools available, registrars will find it significantly easier to spot and report misuse of the Domain Name System (DNS) for commercial exploitation.

Alerts and Actions

The IWF’s Domain Alerts program is designed to notify registrars in real time if child sexual abuse content shows up on a domain that they manage. This access means that registrars can act swiftly to remove harmful content before it proliferates across the internet, thus minimizing the danger posed to children.

Jon Nevett, President and CEO of Public Interest Registry, expressed excitement about evolving the partnership with IWF. He stated, “Expanding access to IWF's services at no cost to the registrar community will be an important step in continuing to identify and remove harmful content.”

Public Involvement

The initiative encourages the public and individuals to report any instances of CSAM they encounter online. IWF has made it clear that such reports can be made anonymously, allowing concerned individuals to help in the fight against child exploitation without fear of repercussion.

For those wishing to report inappropriate content, IWF advises providing the exact URL where such material is found and meets specific guidelines to ensure efficient processing of reports.

Raising Awareness

Raising awareness among families about the dangers of online environments is equally critical. The IWF recommends that parents engage their children in conversations about online safety, set family ground rules regarding internet use, and take an active interest in their children’s digital lives.

This initiative represents a powerful step toward creating a safer online environment for children. With the collaboration of public and private sectors, significant strides can be made to ensure a digital landscape free from the profound harms of child sexual exploitation. For more information on how to get involved with this initiative, interested parties can visit the IWF’s website or directly reach out to their membership team.

In conclusion, as the internet continues to grow, so too should our efforts to safeguard its users. This partnership between PIR and IWF stands as a model for proactive and collaborative action in the face of online child exploitation, making strides toward a safer digital world for all.