Recap: Safe digital futures for children - Data for change

Interested to join the next Data for Change event on November 26? Apply here for an opportunity to attend.

In October 2024, the Data for Change community gathered in London for a two-day technical workshop, bringing together over 40 experts from government, tech companies, civil society, and academia. The event focused on strengthening the global data ecosystem for online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEA) and fostering collaborative solutions to improve the use of data to protect children online. Participants engaged in interactive sessions to refine the online CSEA ecosystem map, address barriers to data flows, and generate ideas for building more robust data infrastructure. The workshop also highlighted successful initiatives and identified concrete outputs to drive the community’s work forward to building a safer digital world for children.

Mapping the Data Ecosystem: Gaps and Opportunities

One of the workshop’s key activities was examining the visual ecosystem mapping of the online CSEA data ecosystem that was commissioned by Safe Online. Participants reviewed different stages of the data lifecycle—Governance, Collection, Storage, Sharing, Processing and Use—highlighting what was working well and where critical gaps persisted. 

Key Findings

  • Governance: There is a strong need to ensure that data efforts are centred on the lived experiences of children, survivors, and parents. Major blockers include differing jurisdictional laws and the lack of a global narrative around online CSEA. A positive example is the use of the Luxembourg Guidelines for aligning terminologies across sectors.
  • Data Collection & Storage: The quality of data and inconsistency in classifications across countries regarding what data is collected and how it is used remains a challenge. Additionally, the efficiency of data collection needs improvement—better tools are required to streamline processes and prioritise important data gaps without overwhelming systems.
  • Sharing & Processing: While some organisations have developed strong quality assurance frameworks, challenges persist around interoperability and trust in sharing data. One positive example is the Better Deal for Data, which has developed trust standards for data sharing.
  • Use: A key priority is maximising the reach and utility of data, particularly in making insights accessible to policy makers, industry, activists and survivors through simplified, clear communication.

Breaking Down Barriers: Navigating the PESTLE Framework

Participants also explored the Political, Economic, Societal, Technological, Legal, and Environmental (PESTLE) barriers that affect the online CSEA data ecosystem. This session encouraged reflection on how these barriers impede progress and potential ways to address them. 

Some key insights: 

Collaborating for Success: Good Practices from the Field

A panel featuring experts from Childlight, SVRI, WeProtect, and the Tech Coalition showcased successful collaborative efforts around data usage. Panellists shared their experiences in navigating complex data landscapes and highlighted how partnerships between tech companies, civil society, and governments can drive progress.

Equity: Ensuring all Voices are Heard

The workshop also tackled the issue of equity—asking whose voices are missing from the data ecosystem and how to ensure greater representation. Discussions highlighted the importance of involving children, young researchers, and underrepresented communities in shaping the data narrative.

Key insights:

  • Inclusion of non-English-speaking online spaces and local voices in data collection is crucial for a more representative and inclusive global picture.
  • Participants emphasised empowering children and young researchers to engage in data collection from the ground, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
  • There were calls for regional meetings to ensure accessibility, as well as the creation of a “People’s Panel” to involve communities more directly in data equity discussions.

The Way Forward: Prioritising Actions for a Better Future

To conclude the workshop, participants engaged in a collaborative exercise to prioritise barriers and identify solutions with the most potential impact and feasibility. Discussions ranged from specific data use cases—such as surveys and criminal justice reports—to broader, cross-sector data applications.

Example of particular action items highlighted:

As we move forward, these priorities will shape the agenda for the Data for Change Virtual Convening 2024, on Tuesday, 26 November, where we join forces once more to address the most pressing challenges in the online CSEA data ecosystem. 

Participants will have the chance to engage with experts across sectors, contribute to refining the community’s roadmap, and explore new opportunities for partnerships and collective action.

While spaces are limited to maintain the interactive, participatory dynamic of our convenings, we want to continue to expand our community.

Interested to join the next Data for Change event on November 26? 

Learn more about the Data for Change journey to date: 

Images: Safe Online

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We are here to ensure every child and young person grows in to the digital world feeling safe, and is protected from harm.

We support, champion, and invest in innovative partners from the public, private, and third sectors working towards the same objective.

We believe in equipping guardians and young people with the skills to understand and see danger themselves once accessing digital experiences without supervision.

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