HSI Partners With Scouting America to Combat Online Child Exploitation and Abuse

New Know2Protect campaign aims to increase online safety through education

WASHINGTON — The Department of Homeland Security's Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Cyber Crimes Center (C3) partnered with Scouting America’s Middle America Tennessee Council recently to provide the first of many presentations of its Project iGuardian® program to scouts.

The program is a part of the agency’s Know2Protect campaign, which HSI developed to educate and empower children, teens, parents, trusted adults and policymakers to prevent and combat online child sexual exploitation and abuse; explain how to report online enticement and victimization; and offer response and support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation and their supporters.

“HSI is proud to partner with youth-serving organizations like Scouting America to educate children and adults in their lives with vitally important information about the threats they face online,” said HSI Nashville Assistant Special Agent in Charge Dennis M. Fetting.

Scouting America and HSI partnered with public and private sector organizations nationwide for this first-of-its-kind national public awareness campaign about the risks children face in the online environment. Know2Protect and iGuardian provide the opportunity for scouts to meet directly with HSI special agents.

“We would like to thank Homeland Security Investigations for taking the time to present on such an important matter,” said Scout Executive Larry Brown, who works with the Scouting America Middle Tennessee Council. “Being aware of online risks will help keep our scouts safe and our parents informed.”

Online child exploitation and abuse is reaching epidemic proportions and threatens children’s safety globally. Know2Protect and iGuardian educate and empower young people, parents and trusted adults on ways to prevent and combat exploitation and abuse both on and offline, explain how to report incidents of these crimes, and offer support resources for victims and survivors of online child sexual exploitation and abuse.

The presentation covered tactics online predators use, the information that devices give away about users — including children — and ways that families can stay safe online.

“The critical information shared directly by special agents can and will literally save lives,” said Scouting America’s Chief Safeguarding Officer Glen Pounder. “Law enforcement alone cannot protect our children online; there simply aren’t enough cops. Bad guys trick their way into kids’ lives via apps and games. It can happen over a long period of time or within minutes. Scouts learn that if they make a mistake, we will help them, no matter what. I hope every scout in America can become a digital leader through iGuardian. Only these criminals need to be afraid.”

“HSI is leading the fight against online child sexual exploitation and abuse by targeting offenders and rescuing victims,” said Fetting. “HSI's Project iGuardian educates today’s young people about how to stay safe in the digital environment, while raising public awareness of online dangers.”

The DHS Cyber Crimes Center supports HSI’s mission through coordination of investigations of cyber-related criminal activity and provides forensic, intelligence and investigative support services across all HSI programmatic areas.

Learn more about HSI C3's important mission to protect children in your community on X, formerly known as Twitter, at @Know2Protect.