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We aim to bolster the entire response system, striving to minimise and prevent online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). We are committed to improving the detection, reporting, prosecution, and prevention of this crime.
ICMEC Australia believes those working on the front lines 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 CSEA.
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 CSEA 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.
The ICMEC Australia Collaboration Working Group (CWG) is the first in Australia. It is focused on detecting, reporting, and preventing financial transactions related to CSEA. 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 CSEA 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 CSEA. 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
At ICMEC Australia, we recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping our world, and child protection is no exception. Across the sector, our frontline partners are reporting both the risks and opportunities that AI presents in the fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA).
On one hand, AI is enabling offenders to find new ways to harm children. From AI-generated CSAM and non-consensual imagery to using chatbots for grooming and creating synthetic child personas to evade detection, the technology is being misused in deeply concerning ways. Some mistakenly believe this material is less harmful because it doesn’t depict an identifiable, real child. However, this is false. AI-generated CSAM, including deepfakes, can still cause real-world harm: it fuels demand for abuse, can be used to threaten or coerce victims, and undermines broader child protection efforts. In many cases, this content is also trained on existing CSAM, compounding the trauma of victim-survivors.
On the other hand, AI also holds real promise. It is already being used to detect known CSAM, assist with victim identification, and support investigations. With the proper ethical frameworks, AI can play a powerful role in prevention, detection, and response.
The challenge and the opportunity lie in how we navigate this complex landscape.
That’s why we established the SaferAI for Children Coalition, Australia’s first national, cross-sector initiative focused on the intersection of AI and child protection. The Coalition brings together experts from law enforcement, government, not-for-profits, and academia to build shared understanding, shape policy, and drive responsible innovation.
In October 2024, we hosted the inaugural SaferAI for Children Summit in Sydney. This landmark event brought together senior leaders and experts to explore how we can work across sectors to protect children in the age of AI.
This work is ongoing, and collaboration is key. If you work in AI or child protection and want to get involved, we’d love to hear from you. Contact our Head of Capacity & Prevention, Dannielle Kelly, to start a conversation.
To learn more about our work in this area, please contact Dannielle Kelly: dkelly@icmec.org.au
We believe that protecting children from child sexual exploitation and abuse must be a national priority – and that means embedding child protection in policy at every level.
Through our policy and advocacy work, we raise awareness of online child sexual exploitation and abuse, influence decision-making, and support stronger systems to prevent harm before it occurs. This includes aligning with and amplifying the efforts of our colleagues across the child protection sector.
These crimes are often and too frequently excluded from mainstream policy discussions. We’re working to change that. Every policy submission, roundtable, and conversation helps bring these issues into the light and puts child protection where it belongs: at the centre of the agenda.
These crimes are often and too frequently excluded from mainstream policy discussions. We’re working to change that. Every policy submission, roundtable, and conversation helps bring these issues into the light and puts child protection where it belongs: at the centre of the agenda.
Policy submissions
ICMEC Australia regularly contributes to government and industry consultations as part of our advocacy for systemic, evidence-based responses to child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Our submissions include:
ICMEC Australia coordinates and delivers training nationally and internationally. ICMEC Australia recognises the critical role of frontline responders and organisations in identifying, preventing, and responding to child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). We work alongside law enforcement, government, and industry to strengthen capability and ensure teams access up-to-date, practical, and impactful training.
Our programs draw on the expertise of Australian and international subject matter experts, combining global insights with local knowledge. By staying attuned to emerging threats and future trends, we help equip those on the frontlines—and those who support them—with the skills and knowledge they need to protect children in an increasingly complex digital environment.
Recognising the borderless nature of CSEA, ICMEC Australia also coordinates and delivers training internationally to strengthen the capabilities of our neighbouring countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
Our upcoming training partnerships include:
ICMEC Australia acknowledges Traditional Owners throughout Australia and their continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respects to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, and Elders past and present.
