Published: Thu 21 Nov 2024
In a world that’s increasingly digital, the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) stands as a powerful force with a singular mission: to eradicate online child sexual abuse imagery. While we may not be able to physically stop abuse in real-time, we are relentless in making the internet a safer space for everyone.
For charities, partnerships are a vital lifeline, and one partner has gone above and beyond to support our mission. Pinsent Masons, a renowned multinational law firm, has not only returned for a second year of their Move for a Safer Internet challenge but has taken it to the next level - raising more funds, inspiring broader participation and making an even bigger impact. Together, we’re proving that when people unite for a cause, the results can be transformative.
After a highly successful first year, the 2024 Move for a Safer Internet challenge launched with a vision to be even bolder. And it succeeded - raising an impressive £22,600, an increase of £6,000+ from the previous year. This surge in support drives our mission forward and raises vital awareness, showing what’s possible when teams come together for a common goal.
This year’s secret? Inclusivity. By welcoming more teams and participants, the challenge fostered a true sense of unity and camaraderie. The format kept it simple: each team, capped at 10 members, logged minutes in any sporting activity. And instead of distance, it was all about dedication and time spent moving - a more inclusive approach that opened the doors for even more organisations to join.
At the heart of this event is the IWF Minute, a powerful symbol of the urgency of our mission. Every 80 seconds, the IWF assesses a webpage, and every 114 seconds, we confront content showing a child being abused. This challenge directly reflects our relentless pace, with participants pushing themselves to clock as many minutes as possible. Each minute represents our ongoing battle to protect children from online abuse.
“The Move for a Safer Internet competition, which we run to raise money for and awareness of the IWF, has become a key event in the cyber calendar now. The energy and collaboration across the market is brilliant to see - a real coming together for the greater good. The fact that we managed to raise £22,600+ this year, and over £38,000 across the two years we’ve run the event, is testament to everyone’s commitment to the IWF’s mission.” Ellie Ludlam (Cyber Partner - Pinsent Masons)
Pinsent Masons’ steadfast commitment has done more than just raise funds, it has put a spotlight on the critical work of the IWF. Every pound raised is another step closer to shielding vulnerable children from harm. These funds directly support the analysts who tirelessly scan the internet for abusive content and allow us to continuously enhance the technology needed for takedown and analysis.
Thanks to this increased funding, the IWF can now invest further in cutting-edge technology. Each donation helps to develop and refine tools that enable faster, more accurate detection, assessment and removal of child sexual abuse imagery.
But our work doesn’t end here. The IWF is calling on more organisations to join us. Move for a Safer Internet has proven that when we come together, we can raise both critical funds and awareness. With every additional organisation, the ripple effect grows, bringing us closer to a world free from child sexual abuse imagery online.
“We were delighted to partner with the IWF again this year, to help raise awareness of their very important work, along with much needed funds. We look forward to our continuing collaboration with them in the coming year.” Andrew Masraf (Senior Partner - Pinsent Masons)
Pinsent Masons has set an inspiring example of how fun, teamwork and determination can drive change for an incredibly important cause.
The only question that remains is: Which organisation will step up next?
The IWF and Pinsent Masons' evening event celebrated the efforts of the incredible Move for a Safer Internet teams and included our Get to Know the IWF interactive stand.
The Pinsent Masons' Move for a Safer Internet event encourages fundraising through a variety of activities.
All funds raised will be used to support IWF’s efforts in enhancing our technology and resources to remove harmful content from the internet, thereby making it a safer place for everyone – please donate using the link below.
If you are interested to learn more about this successful corporate fundraising model, please contact Kate Moss, IWF Head of Fundraising, on +44 (0) 1223 618712 | [email protected].
