Seeking to boost the reach of the Know2Protect campaign, the Department of Homeland Security has amassed partners representing technology and social media companies, national and international sports leagues, youth organizations and law enforcement associations.
Partners include Google, Intel Corporation, Meta Platforms, Snap Inc., NASCAR, Major League Baseball, Major League Soccer, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, the United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee, Boy Scouts of America and the National Fusion Center Association.
“The best way to keep kids safe online is to provide helpful information where they are: on social media and online gaming platforms, and through clubs, sporting events, and organizations,” said Kate Kennedy, campaign director of Know2Protect. “By partnering with a range of companies to raise awareness and disseminate educational messaging, we are keeping kids safe from online predators.”
NASCAR President Steve Phelps said that by partnering with the Department of Homeland Security, NASCAR can educate millions of fans about the crime.
The Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday also launched a website focused on the campaign, which includes a portal designed for kids and teens ages 10 and up. The portal explains that online predators can create fake profiles and get people to trust them through a process called “grooming,” which could then escalate into “sextortion.”
“Days, weeks or months might go by before these people begin having inappropriate, sexual conversations with you — but in some cases, it happens in just one sitting,” the webpage says. “Over time, the conversations can get more and more graphic, and the person may ask you to send inappropriate photos or videos or ask you to meet them in person. They might also threaten or blackmail you by telling you that if you don’t give them more photos, money or online gift cards, they’ll share your photos or videos with other people.”
Department of Homeland Security officials said they are advertising the Know2Protect website in 25 media markets and online, with the goal of reaching millions of Americans.
Google and Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, have donated ad credits on their platforms, and sports leagues are planning advertising initiatives during games and special events. Boy Scouts of America intends to help run presentations through Project iGuardian, an educational programming arm of Know2Protect for schools, community groups, businesses and nonprofits.
“Through this collaboration with DHS, Scouting will make the Know2Protect resources available to empower more than a million youth members and adult volunteers, further enhancing our education and training initiatives to help ensure that our Scouts, leaders and their families remain safe from online dangers,” Boy Scouts of America CEO Roger Krone said.
Mayorkas said the Department of Homeland Security is also working with international partners — including in Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and New Zealand –– to fight the “scourge” of online exploitation.
“First and foremost, we must prevent the harm from ever occurring,” Mayorkas said. “Tragically, too often we must do the work of rescue, protection and support.”