04/17/2025 | Press release | Archived content
WASHINGTON D.C. - Today, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Know2Protect: Together We Can Stop Online Child Exploitation™ public awareness campaign.
Since its inception, the Know2Protect campaign, housed within the DHS Cyber Crimes Center (C3), has had a profound impact, reaching millions through traditional and digital media channels. The campaign has empowered young people, parents, educators, corporations, and community leaders with essential resources to prevent and report online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA).
"At the Department of Homeland Security, our mission is to protect the American people, and that includes protecting our children. The internet has completely changed how we connect, but it has also opened new doors for predators who want to harm our kids," said DHS Secretary Kristi Noem. "It's a topic that should unite all of us, and I appreciate the opportunity to highlight the work of Homeland Security Investigations and all that they do to combat online child exploitation."
The threat of online child exploitation has never been bigger or more sophisticated. DHS increased the footprint of law enforcement partners at C3, last year, to enhance coordination across all DHS agencies and offices to combat cyber-related crimes and further the Department's mission to combat online CSEA. In 2024, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) identified and arrested nearly 5,000 individuals involved in online CSEA, while also recovering over 1,700 child victims. In the same year, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 20 million reports of online child sexual abuse material.
By providing comprehensive tools on Know2Protect.gov, the campaign has become a powerful force in raising awareness about the severe risks children face online, while emphasizing prevention, safety measures, and offering critical support for survivors. Since its inception last year, the campaign has made a tangible impact through its outreach efforts-resulting in 128 victim disclosures and over 90 investigative leads in the fight against online child exploitation.
Know2Protect's work to coordinate federal efforts to combat online child exploitation and abuse has made an astounding impact across the world. The campaign has achieved more than a half a billion (683M) impressions online, with 18% of the impressions coming from donated advertising dollars from campaign partners such as Google, Snapchat, X, Lamar, Meta and Roblox.
"We all have a responsibility to protect children from online exploitation," said Head of Global Government Affairs at X, Romina Khananisho. "As the global town square, X is proud to partner with DHS' Cyber Crimes Center to support the Know2Protect campaign. We commit to raising awareness about all the tools available to combat child exploitation and encourage all our users to join us in this critical mission by sharing the information with your communities."
The K2P campaign's success is fueled by partnerships with leading technology companies, major sports leagues, youth-serving organizations, law enforcement associations and other private sector partners. These collaborations have expanded Know2Protect's reach, delivering its vital message to young people across social media platforms, sporting events, and community organizations, ensuring it resonates wherever they live, learn, and play.
Past and current partners like Snap, Meta, X, and Roblox have played a crucial role in disseminating safety messages to their vast user bases, while NASCAR and the NFL have supported the campaign by integrating Know2Protect PSAs and other materials into their events.
"Snap congratulates the Department of Homeland Security on the first anniversary of its impactful Know2Protect public awareness campaign," said Jacqueline Beauchere, Global Head of Platform Safety at Snap Inc., the parent company of Snapchat. "Snap was the first entity to support the campaign in 2024, commissioning bespoke research, offering free ad space on Snapchat for educational campaign materials, and creating a fun Snapchat Lens to promote learning and engagement. We applaud and join in the Department's efforts to educate youth, parents, policymakers, and others about the risks of child sexual exploitation and abuse both online and off."
"At Meta, we've spent over a decade building tools to fight criminals who try to exploit young people online," said Meta's Global Head of Safety, Antigone Davis. "To complement our in-app protections and make them even more effective, it's important that young people also feel confident to spot the signs of online harm and know where to go for help. That's why we've also been focused on educational campaigns for teens and parents, and why we're proud to continue supporting the Department of Homeland Security's vital Know2Protect campaign as it moves into its second year."
Know2Protect's educational initiative, Project iGuardian, provides direct training to schools, community groups, and organizations to help identify and address online safety risks. As the official in-person training program of the Know2Protect campaign, Project iGuardian is led by Homeland Security Investigations and offers presentations to children, teens, parents, and trusted adults. Since its re-launch in October 2023, Project iGuardian has conducted nearly 2,000 presentations, reaching over 200,000 people both domestically and internationally.
"We know it is critical to provide children, parents, and caregivers with access to resources and information on how to report crimes targeting children online," said Director of Global Programs at Google.org, Amanda Timberg. "We are proud to once again donate Google Search and YouTube ad credits to promote the Department of Homeland Security's Know2Protect campaign to raise awareness on the issue and to help children stay safe online."
The campaign has achieved several notable milestones over the last year, including:
Know2Protect is taking bold steps to further amplify its impact and continue the fight against online CSEA. Upcoming initiatives and events will provide even more opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved and take action, including:
"As we mark the one-year anniversary of the Know2Protect campaign, it's clear that protecting children from online exploitation demands a united, collective effort," said Noem. "I urge more organizations to join us in this urgent mission-because every partnership brings us one step closer to eradicating this devastating crime."
Know2Protect is working hand-in-hand with private sector leaders, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to execute this nationwide campaign. Learn more about becoming an official Know2Protect partner.
"Know2Protect is not just about raising awareness-it's about sparking real, impactful change," Noem said. "Backed by our powerful partnerships, this campaign is equipping communities with critical tools to protect children from online predators while also safeguarding against exploitation before it happens. Together, we are making a tangible difference in the fight to prevent further victimization."
Early intervention is critical. If you suspect a child may be a victim of online CSEA, call the Know2Protect Tipline at 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or visit the NCMEC CyberTipline™. If you believe a child has been abducted or is in immediate danger, contact local law enforcement and the NCMEC Tipline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
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