Introduction
The Tech Coalition, a group of leading tech companies, has announced the launch of a new program called Lantern. This program aims to combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA) by enabling social platforms to share “signals” about activity and accounts that violate their policies against CSEA.
Participating Platforms
Lantern currently includes participation from several major platforms, including Discord, Google, Mega, Meta, Quora, Roblox, Snap, and Twitch. These platforms upload signals to Lantern regarding activity that violates their policies. Signals can include information such as email addresses, usernames, and keywords used to groom or engage in the buying and selling of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).
Collaborative Action
By sharing these signals through Lantern, participating platforms can work together to combat CSEA. Other platforms can select signals from Lantern, run them against their own platform, review any flagged activity or content, and take appropriate action. This collaborative approach allows for a more comprehensive understanding of the harm faced by victims and facilitates effective action.
Successful Pilot Program
During a pilot program, Mega, a file hosting service, shared URLs with Meta that led to the removal of over 10,000 Facebook profiles, pages, and Instagram accounts. This success demonstrates the potential impact of the Lantern program in combating CSEA.
Addressing Privacy Concerns
While there may be disagreements on how to address CSEA without compromising online privacy, the prevalence of harmful material, including deepfakes, is a significant concern. In 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received over 32 million reports of CSAM. A recent survey conducted by RAINN and YouGov found that 82% of parents believe that the tech industry, especially social media companies, should do more to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation online.
Conclusion
The launch of the Lantern program by The Tech Coalition marks a significant step in combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. By fostering collaboration among participating platforms, Lantern enables a more comprehensive approach to identifying and addressing harmful activity. With the support of major tech companies and growing public concern, initiatives like Lantern have the potential to make a meaningful impact in protecting children online.
Article Credit: globalvillagespace