We aim to bolster the entire ecosystem, striving to minimise and prevent online sexual child exploitation (CSE). We are committed to improving the detection, reporting, prosecution, and prevention of this atrocious crime.
ICMEC Australia believes those working on the frontlines need enhanced information and tools to bolster their capabilities. These organisations must be interconnected to share information, data, and best practices, enabling us to be stronger and more united in our fight against CSE.
We have several programs to achieve this goal and create meaningful change.
The ICMEC Australia Data Product, ‘Lighthouse’, is the first in Australia and a pioneering innovation. Lighthouse will allow Australian financial services institutions to be leaders in global financial crime and intelligence, solidifying their corporate responsibility and contributions to protecting children.
Lighthouse has collaborated with leading data partners who are equally invested in the detection and prevention of child sexual abuse. By transposing millions of data artefacts into a localised product, Lighthouse allows Australian banks and payment platforms to enhance their capabilities in the fight against those who prey on children.
The Lighthouse Data Product provides clues for suspected CSE activities, as well as indicators in the access, possession or distribution of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). These can then be compared to or viewed by financial institutions within their internal systems to flag potential cases for reporting.
By centralising access to this Data Product and analytics for participating financial services companies, Lighthouse is significantly amplifying the impact of child protection efforts. No longer is each financial institution required to individually negotiate access to these bespoke, international data sources and face the internal challenges of extracting, transforming, and loading the data into a usable format. Now, a user-ready product can be provided to any financial services institution across Australia.
Lighthouse also provides several built-in tools for analytics and trends where users can see the visualisation of the data in time, platforms, and regional proximity.
All users of Lighthouse receive comprehensive onboarding training on using this unique data product, as well as access to ongoing support from our data products team to answer queries about its use.
Financial Crime Collaboration Working Group
The ICMEC Australia Collaboration Working Group (CWG) is the first in Australia. It is focused on detecting, reporting, and preventing financial transactions related to CSE. It welcomes participation from any financial institution in Australia committed to protecting children online.
The Working Group brings together financial crime teams from up to 15 banks and payment platforms, collaborating closely with law enforcement representatives from various Australian states, territories, and the federal government.
Each participating bank recognises that combatting CSE payments requires collective action rather than independent efforts. These companies are uniting to establish a unified front against abuse by sharing information, trends, and best practices across the industry.
The Group also works to implement various innovative pilot projects to enhance their capacity to detect CSE. To safeguard the confidentiality of information, all meetings are closed, conducted by invitation only, and adhere to Chatham House rules.
If you want to participate in the group, please contact Rosie Campo rcampo@icmec.org.au
Combatting the Online Sexual Exploitation of Children (COSEC) training, in partnership with Queensland Police Service (January 2025)
In January 2025 COSEC training will be delivered to Australian law enforcement members from across the country. For the first time, this international child protection training will be conducted in Australia, enhancing the knowledge and skills of frontline child protection officers. ICMEC Australia is proud to sponsor this training, and to work in partnership with Queensland Police Service to support the delivery of this world-leading program.
Police station and front-of-house awareness packages (ongoing, launching in 2024)
As part of their extensive workload, police officers deal with numerous daily crimes. This child protection awareness package provides essential knowledge for those coming into contact with victims, survivors, parents, carers, and the public about CSE issues facilitated online.
The program draws on current best practices for Australian reporting avenues, issues around sextortion, and general information about child exploitation issues. This package is suited to those working in police stations, police members, community volunteers, or those who are looking for a refresher on child protection issues.
Regional training partnerships
Recognising the borderless nature of CSE, ICMEC Australia has expanded its training portfolio internationally to strengthen the capabilities of our neighbouring countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Corporate awareness programs
Everyone has a role to play in safeguarding a child’s right to safety. Corporations and businesses have a responsibility to avoid their platforms being intentionally or inadvertently used to abuse children, which is also considered a form of modern slavery.
Protecting children from harm is critical to addressing the ‘S’ (social) in ESG compliance.
Given that more than one in four Australians experience child sexual abuse, this is an issue that resonates strongly with employees, consumers, and investors alike.
Companies can go beyond mere compliance by proactively preventing and reducing harm to children. ICMEC Australia offers several programs to help organisations understand and address the critical aspects of combatting CSE. We provide various services, including awareness and keynote presentations, corporate engagements, and messaging campaigns.
