The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) recently introduced Take It Down, a new service to aid in the fight against internet crimes against children (ICAC). Since 1984, NCMEC has reported crimes, provided victims resources, and led the charge to reduce child victimization. This service adds to their ICAC toolkit.
Take It Down removes sexually explicit content of minors posted online. Victims can file a report on the website (listed below), and NCMEC will assign a “unique digital footprint,” to each unwanted photo or video. This allows NCMEC to identify replicas of the content and remove it from participating platforms. Only the hash value, not the photo or video, is sent to NCMEC. Participating platforms include Facebook, Instagram, Yubo, and others.
“The adage of ‘you can’t take back what is already out there’ is something we want to change. The past does not define the future and help is available.”
– Gavin Portnoy, VP of Communications and Brand at the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
We want to emphasize that, while this is a great new tool, every Tennessean still has a statutory obligation to report any instance of child sex abuse to law enforcement. Take It Down can combat the spread of unwanted images online, but it is important to hold extorters responsible for their crimes. If you see something, say something.
The service is available to those who want to take down sexually explicit photos or videos taken when the person was under the age of 18. For victims with images taken after the age of 18, please visit StopNCII.org.
To report an instance of child sexual abuse, please visit the following resources:
Tennessee Department of Children’s Services Hotline – (877) 237-0004
NCMEC Cyber Tipline – 1(800) 843-5678
This article was originally featured in our TNDAGC Newsletter. To subscribe, visit: