Published: Fri 27 Sep 2024
In today’s digital age, businesses have the power to create significant positive change by supporting causes that resonate deeply within their local communities.
We are immensely grateful to Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd. (QTIL) based in Cambridge for their generous donation of £12,748.59, via the Qualcomm Foundation, towards the Internet Watch Foundation’s (IWF) ‘self-generated’ campaign. This vital contribution underscores the critical role that local organisations play in supporting local charities dedicated to safeguarding our children online.
The Importance of Local Support
At the heart of every thriving community are the businesses that choose to give back. Qualcomm believes in empowering people, transforming communities and protecting the planet. Their donation is a shining example of how corporate social responsibility can make a profound difference. By investing in local initiatives, organisations like QTIL not only support the well-being of their communities but also inspire others to join the cause.
This donation is not just a financial contribution; it is a powerful message to other local organisations and more importantly the employees of QTIL and the wider community. It highlights the impact that their collective efforts can have on protecting children from the dangers lurking online.
The funds will be instrumental in advancing our campaign, which aims to prevent the victimisation of children through ‘self-generated’ sexual abuse material - an issue of growing concern for IWF.
Making a Difference Together
The ‘self-generated’ campaign – Think Before You Share is a pioneering initiative designed to combat the increasing prevalence of child sexual abuse material created through online grooming, coercion, and peer pressure.
In 2023 alone, the IWF identified over 250,000 URLs containing such content, making up over nine in ten, or 92%, of the webpages we took action against. This disturbing trend underscores the urgency of our mission to protect children from online exploitation.
Thanks to QTIL’s generous support, we are now able to take significant steps forward in this battle. The donation will be used to develop and distribute educational resources aimed at empowering children and young people to protect themselves online.
These resources will also equip teachers and parents with the knowledge and tools they need to foster healthy conversations about online safety, helping to reduce the risks associated with sharing nudes.
By supporting this campaign, QTIL is directly contributing to the reduction of child sexual abuse content online. Their donation will help us reach more children, parents, and educators, ensuring that our message of prevention and protection is heard loud and clear.
“We believe in the power of technology. We invent technologies that have the power to catalyze social change and the potential to have a positive impact on society for the better - for everyone. We are proud to support the Internet Watch Foundation in their aim to help those children who fall victim to sexual abuse online.” Jane Munro, VP & Legal Counsel, Qualcomm Technologies International, Ltd.
Join Us in the Fight
We encourage other local/national organisations to follow QTIL’s inspiring example. The fight against online child sexual abuse is a collective responsibility, and every contribution brings us closer to a safer world for our children. Whether through financial support, advocacy, or collaboration, there are many ways to get involved.
The IWF urges other businesses and foundations to consider donating to initiatives like ours that leverage technology for good, enhance well-being, and advocate for stronger communication campaigns and public policies. Together, we can make a real difference in the lives of children and ensure that the Internet is a place of safety and opportunity for all.
Thank you, Qualcomm, for standing with us in this crucial fight. Your support is making a lasting impact, and we are proud to have you as a partner in our mission to stop online child sexual abuse.
Join the movement and let's make a difference! Get in touch with Kate Moss, IWF Head of Fundraising, via email [email protected] or at telephone +44 (0) 1223 61871.
Heidi Kempster, Deputy CEO of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), and Jason Tomlinson, Managing Director of RM Technology, reflect on the organisations’ two-decade partnership tackling child sexual abuse material.
