Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE) Policy
Effective Date: July 1, 2024
Last Reviewed: August 31, 2025
Applies to: All users, staff, contractors, and partners of WhosHere
1. Purpose
WhosHere is committed to protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation. This policy sets out our zero-tolerance approach to Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM), grooming, exploitation, and related activities.
2. Scope
This policy applies to:
– All users of WhosHere
– All content created, shared, or stored on WhosHere
– All employees, contractors, moderators, and partners supporting WhosHere
3. Definitions
– CSAM (Child Sexual Abuse Material): Any visual, audio, or written depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a child.
– Exploitation: Any attempt to groom, solicit, or coerce a child into sexual activity online or offline.
– Grooming: Building a relationship with a child with the intention of exploiting them sexually.
4. Zero-Tolerance Policy
– WhosHere strictly prohibits the creation, distribution, sharing, or storage of CSAM.
– Grooming, solicitation, or exploitation of children is forbidden in any form.
– Accounts engaged in CSAE activity will be immediately suspended, investigated, and reported to relevant authorities.
5. Detection and Moderation
– WhosHere employs a combination of automated detection tools (e.g., hash-matching, keyword monitoring, AI moderation) and human review to identify potential CSAE activity.
– We cooperate with law enforcement and recognized child protection organizations to ensure rapid response.
6. Reporting Procedures
– Internal reporting: Employees and moderators must immediately escalate any suspected CSAE activity to the designated Safeguarding Lead/Compliance Officer.
– External reporting: Confirmed cases will be reported to relevant law enforcement agencies or child protection bodies in the user’s jurisdiction.
7. User Reporting
– Users can report suspected CSAE activity directly through WhosHere’s in-app reporting feature or by contacting support@whoshere.net.
– All CSAE-related reports will be treated as urgent and investigated without delay.
8. Account Action
– Accounts found to be engaging in CSAE activity will be:
– Permanently banned
– Reported to authorities
– Preserved as evidence where required by law
9. Data Retention
– Evidence of CSAE will be securely retained and shared only with law enforcement or authorized child protection organizations.
– Retention periods will comply with applicable laws (e.g., GDPR, COPPA, or other jurisdictional requirements).
10. Staff Training & Responsibilities
– All WhosHere employees, moderators, and contractors will undergo annual CSAE awareness and response training.
– The Safeguarding Lead is responsible for:
– Policy oversight
– Staff training
– Compliance monitoring
11. Partnerships
WhosHere collaborates with:
– Law enforcement authorities where applicable
– Recognized child protection organizations and hotlines
– Industry coalitions working to combat online exploitation
12. Review and Updates
This policy will be reviewed annually and updated to reflect changes in law, technology, and industry standards.
Contact
If you encounter or suspect CSAE activity on WhosHere, please contact us immediately:
– Email: support@whoshere.net
– In-App Reporting Tool: Accessible via user profiles and settings