The fight against online child exploitation is gaining ground—and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is leading the charge.
One year after launching its Know2Protect® campaign, DHS is showcasing measurable success in prevention, outreach, and education across the U.S.
DHS Celebrates a Year of Progress in Protecting Children Online
The Department of Homeland Security has marked the one-year anniversary of Know2Protect, its flagship campaign focused on preventing online child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Anchored within the DHS Cyber Crimes Center, the initiative brings together law enforcement, education, and technology leaders to confront the growing digital threats facing children.
A Coordinated Response to a Complex Crisis
As internet access expands, so do the risks for children online.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem emphasized the campaign’s urgency:
“The internet has opened doors for predators. Know2Protect unites us around a shared goal—keeping our kids safe.”
This goal is more urgent than ever.
In 2024 alone:
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Nearly 5,000 individuals were arrested for online CSEA.
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Over 1,700 child victims were recovered.
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20 million+ reports of online child sexual abuse material were received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
These numbers underscore the scale of the issue and the necessity of a sustained, multifaceted response.
Expanding Impact Through Education and Innovation
The Know2Protect campaign focuses on early intervention, education, and engagement. Its initiatives include:
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Project iGuardian, an in-person school and community training program
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K2P Kids and Teens Portal, offering age-appropriate tools for safe internet use
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PSA videos, broadcast nationally and shared through online platforms
Since its October 2023 relaunch, Project iGuardian has reached over 200,000 participants through 2,000 presentations, helping families understand online risks and report suspicious activity.
Strategic Partnerships Strengthen National Outreach
One of Know2Protect’s most effective strategies is leveraging private-sector partnerships to expand its reach.
Collaborators
| Organization | Contribution | Platform Reach |
|---|---|---|
| Meta | Integrated safety tips and awareness materials | Facebook, Instagram |
| Snapchat | Custom Lens, free ad space, original research | Snapchat |
| Google.org | Donated ad credits on Google and YouTube | Search, Video Ads |
| NFL / NASCAR | Hosted campaign materials at sporting events | Live events, broadcast |
| X (Twitter) | Livestream events and awareness campaigns | Global “town square” platform |
These collaborations have generated over 683 million digital impressions, with 18% coming from donated ad space provided by tech and media partners.
Multimedia Engagement that Resonates
The campaign’s multimedia approach is intentionally designed for mobile-first audiences. Highlights include:
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A 90-second PSA, finalist at the 2024 Cannes Corporate Media & TV Awards
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Short video segments on sextortion and digital grooming
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Educational tools like the Family Online Safety Agreement and printable safety posters for schools
The PSA videos have collectively earned millions of views and played across NFL Network, YouTube, and even NASCAR events.
Milestones from the First Year
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128 victim disclosures and over 90 actionable investigative leads
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Half a billion online impressions worldwide
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Introduction of the #Back2School and #DigitalBoundaries sub-campaigns
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Launch of the Pledge2Protect initiative set for August 2025
Pledge2Protect will serve as a nationwide call to action, inviting parents, teens, and educators to publicly commit to online child protection through shared knowledge and vigilance.
Community Engagement Events and Livestreaming
To increase accessibility, Know2Protect will host a live-streamed Project iGuardian presentation on April 23, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST via X, featuring country artist John Rich.
This event targets parents, teens, and educators with actionable strategies to recognize and prevent online exploitation.
Select Takeaways for Families and Professionals
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Early intervention is vital—most exploitation begins unnoticed.
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Reporting mechanisms like the Know2Protect Tipline and NCMEC CyberTipline™ are active and confidential.
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Visual literacy and online boundary-setting should be reinforced through school and home-based tools.
Closing the Gap Between Awareness and Action
The Know2Protect campaign demonstrates what’s possible when public institutions and private partners collaborate.
By reaching families, empowering youth, and supporting law enforcement, DHS is narrowing the gap between awareness and protection.
As Secretary Noem put it, “This isn’t just about outreach. It’s about real, measurable change.”
Want to Help?
To learn more about becoming a Know2Protect partner or accessing educational materials, visit www.dhs.gov/know2protect.
If you suspect a child is at risk, call 1-833-591-KNOW (5669) or contact 1-800-THE-LOST.
Stay informed. Stay proactive. Know2Protect.
Sources: US Department of Homeland Security.
