APR 15 DIGEST: IWF AND BITCOIN EXCHANGES FIGHT CHILD PORNOGRAPHY, BTC EMERGING AS AN EVERYDAY CURRENCY
The digital landscape offers incredible opportunities for connection and innovation, but it also presents significant challenges.One of the most pressing is the exploitation of children through online child sexual abuse material (CSAM).In a concerning trend, the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has identified a disturbing link between cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin (BTC), and the financing and distribution of this horrific content. Known for being one of the longest-running Bitcoin exchanges globally, BTCC attracts users with its seamless fiat-to-crypto trading services and innovative Bitcoin mining solutions. Featuring a comprehensive trading platform with an interactive chart system and various order types, BTCC ensures users-whether beginners or experienced tradersThe IWF is actively working with Bitcoin exchanges and other cryptocurrency platforms to combat this abuse by tracking and blocking transactions associated with CSAM.This collaboration aims to disrupt the financial mechanisms that enable these crimes and make the digital space safer for children. nitial research findings into the motivations, behaviour and actions of people who view indecent images of children (often referred to as child pornography) online is released today (Thursday, March 28) by the child protection charity the Lucy Faithfull Foundation (LFF) and the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF).Last year alone, the IWF identified over 250,000 websites containing CSAM, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures.The fight extends beyond just law enforcement; it requires a concerted effort from tech companies, regulatory bodies, and the cryptocurrency community.Meanwhile, amidst these challenges, Bitcoin continues to evolve, showing increasing signs of becoming an everyday currency, used for legitimate transactions and investments worldwide.This article delves into both these critical aspects of the current digital landscape.
The Internet Watch Foundation's Fight Against CSAM and Cryptocurrency
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is a UK-based non-profit organization dedicated to combating online child sexual abuse.They operate a hotline for reporting CSAM, which is then analyzed by experts. Susie Hargreaves OBE, Chief Executive of the IWF, said: The internet provides a valuable space for young people to learn, socialise and engage with others but IWF numbers show that reports of child sexual abuse material online are on the rise.The IWF plays a crucial role in identifying, removing, and preventing the spread of this harmful content. We use the term child sexual abuse to reflect the gravity of the images and videos we deal with. Child pornography, child porn, kiddie porn and other slang terms are not acceptable descriptions. A child cannot consent to their own abuse.They also work to raise awareness about the issue and collaborate with various stakeholders, including law enforcement, tech companies, and international organizations.
How Criminals Use Cryptocurrency to Fund CSAM
Criminals are increasingly using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin to buy and sell CSAM online due to the perceived anonymity and ease of transactions that digital currencies can offer. Amid emerging trends, such as child sexual abuse material generated by AI, it is critical that making the internet safer for children is a top priority for the new parliament. In 2025 alone, the IWF removed over one million web pages featuring child sexual abuse images and videos.Cryptocurrency exchanges facilitate these transactions by allowing users to convert traditional currencies like dollars and euros into Bitcoin, which can then be used to purchase illegal content on the dark web and other online platforms. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) welcomes the outcome of the meeting that the Culture Secretary called for on Tuesday 18 June. The IWF is looking forward to closely working with its members and other partners, both nationally as well as internationally, to step up the fight against online child sexual abuse content.This makes it difficult for law enforcement to track and trace the flow of funds associated with CSAM.
An investigative report revealed that between January and March 2025, almost 4,000 Bitcoin transactions originating from U.S.-linked cryptocurrency exchanges were traced to wallets associated with CSAM.This underscores the alarming extent to which cryptocurrency is being used to facilitate these crimes.
IWF's Collaboration with Bitcoin Exchanges
Recognizing the critical role of cryptocurrency exchanges in enabling these transactions, the IWF is actively engaging with these platforms to develop strategies for preventing the use of Bitcoin for CSAM.This collaboration involves:
- Data Sharing: The IWF shares data on virtual currency wallets associated with online CSAM with relevant companies.
- Tracking and Blocking: Bitcoin companies use this information to track and block transactions originating from or destined for these wallets.
- Reporting: Cryptocurrency exchanges are encouraged to report suspicious activity related to CSAM to law enforcement agencies.
By working together, the IWF and Bitcoin exchanges can create a more hostile environment for criminals who seek to exploit children online.
IWF's Tools and Resources
The IWF provides various tools and resources to help businesses and platforms identify and remove CSAM.These include:
- Hashing Technology: The IWF makes millions of hashes of known CSAM imagery available for free, allowing businesses to quickly identify and remove this content from their platforms.
- Reporting Portal: The IWF operates a hotline for reporting CSAM, which is then analyzed by experts.
Dan Sexton, Chief Technology Officer at the IWF, emphasizes the importance of these tools in making platforms hostile spaces for criminals. ""By making millions of hashes of known child sexual abuse imagery available for free, in a simple tool for businesses and platforms, we can dramatically change the landscape and make thousands of platforms hostile spaces for criminals.""
The Role of Social Media Platforms
Social media platforms are also playing an increasing role in the fight against CSAM. Types Of Cryptocurrency Trading Fees Fee Trends on Centralized and Decentralized Exchanges FAQ: Crypto and Bitcoin Exchanges with Low Fees Conclusion: The Cheapest Crypto and Bitcoin Trading Platforms with Low Fees Ranked by Bitcoin.com Business Partnership EnquiresRapidly growing social media platform Bluesky has joined the IWF to help find, block and remove sexual abuse content of children online.Facebook, whilst playing a part, were accountable for two thirds of reported online child sex abuse content.
Bitcoin's Growing Adoption as an Everyday Currency
While the fight against CSAM is paramount, it's important to acknowledge the legitimate and growing adoption of Bitcoin as an everyday currency. Bitcoins used to buy images of child sex abuse could soon be tracked and blocked as two companies share data on how the virtual currency is spent. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), whichBitcoin's decentralized nature, transparency, and potential for lower transaction fees are attracting individuals and businesses alike.
What Factors are Driving Bitcoin's Adoption?
Several factors contribute to Bitcoin's increasing acceptance as a mainstream currency:
- Increased Awareness: More people are becoming aware of Bitcoin and its potential benefits.
- Technological Advancements: Improvements in blockchain technology and the development of user-friendly wallets and exchanges have made it easier to use Bitcoin.
- Institutional Adoption: Major corporations and financial institutions are increasingly investing in Bitcoin and integrating it into their services.
- Inflation Hedge: Some people view Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.
- Remittances: Bitcoin can be used for faster and cheaper international money transfers.
Top Bitcoin Exchanges for Trading
The availability of reliable and user-friendly cryptocurrency exchanges is crucial for the widespread adoption of Bitcoin. Leader in cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, blockchain, DeFi, digital finance and Web 3.0 news with analysis, video and live price updates.Some of the top Bitcoin exchanges include:
- BTCC: Known for its long history and seamless fiat-to-crypto trading services.
- Coinbase: Popular for its user-friendly interface and wide range of cryptocurrencies.
- Binance: Offers a wide range of trading options and features.
- Kraken: Known for its security and regulatory compliance.
These exchanges provide a platform for users to buy, sell, and trade Bitcoin with ease.
Earning Passive Income with Bitcoin
Beyond its use as a currency, Bitcoin can also be used to generate passive income. There are several ways that a person might sexually exploit a child or youth online. A note about youth internet use Technology is woven into our everyday lives, and it is necessary in many ways even for young children. Young people are spending more time than ever before using devices, and so itHere are a few ways to earn with Bitcoin:
- Lending: Lend your Bitcoin to borrowers on lending platforms and earn interest.
- Staking: Stake your Bitcoin on proof-of-stake networks and earn rewards for validating transactions.
- Interest Accounts: Deposit your Bitcoin in interest-bearing accounts offered by cryptocurrency exchanges and earn passive income.Interest rates typically range from 1% to 6% APY.
It is important to research and understand the risks associated with these methods before investing.
Bitcoin-linked Meme Coins
The popularity of Bitcoin has also spawned a number of meme coins that are linked to its price trajectory. IWF CEO calls it a social and digital emergency requiring a sustained national prevention effort. New data released by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) shows almost 20,000 webpages of child sexual abuse imagery in the first half of 2025 included self-generated content of 7- to 10-year-old children.For example, BTCBULL is a meme coin that rewards holders every time Bitcoin crosses a new $50,000 milestone.These meme coins can be highly volatile and should be approached with caution.
Navigating the Challenges: Ethical Considerations and Responsible Use
As Bitcoin becomes more mainstream, it's important to address the ethical considerations and promote responsible use.This includes:
Combating Criminal Activity
The use of Bitcoin for illegal activities like CSAM is a serious concern. Peter Kyle visited the IWF to see for himself the scale, and severity, of online sexual abuse against children. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle has visited the Internet Watch Foundation s hotline to witness the heartbreaking scale of online child sexual abuse as new online safety rules come into force.Increased regulation and collaboration between law enforcement and cryptocurrency exchanges are needed to combat these crimes.
Addressing Volatility
Bitcoin's price volatility can make it risky for everyday use. The IWF is the Hotline to report: child sexual abuse content hosted anywhere in the world; criminally obscene adult content hosted in the UK; non-photographic child sexual abuse images hosted in the UK. For more information please visit www.iwf.org.uk. To be kept up to date with the IWF s activities throughout the year you can:Stablecoins, which are cryptocurrencies pegged to a stable asset like the US dollar, can provide a more stable alternative for transactions.
Promoting Financial Literacy
Many people still lack a basic understanding of Bitcoin and cryptocurrency.Financial literacy programs can help people make informed decisions and avoid scams.
How Can You Contribute to a Safer Digital Environment?
Everyone has a role to play in creating a safer digital environment, especially when it comes to protecting children.Here's what you can do:
- Report CSAM: If you encounter CSAM online, report it to the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) or your local law enforcement agency.
- Support Organizations Fighting CSAM: Donate to organizations like the IWF that are working to combat online child sexual abuse.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Learn more about the issue of CSAM and share your knowledge with others.
- Practice Safe Online Habits: Be aware of the risks of online child exploitation and take steps to protect yourself and your children.
The Future of Bitcoin and the Fight Against Online Child Exploitation
The future of Bitcoin is uncertain, but its potential as a global currency and store of value is undeniable.However, it's crucial to address the ethical challenges and ensure that Bitcoin is not used to facilitate criminal activity. Dan Sexton, Chief Technology Officer at the IWF, said: By making millions of hashes of known child sexual abuse imagery available for free, in a simple tool for businesses and platforms, we can dramatically change the landscape and make thousands of platforms hostile spaces for criminals.The collaboration between the Internet Watch Foundation and Bitcoin exchanges is a positive step in this direction, but more work needs to be done. The Internet Watch Foundation is working with bitcoin companies to prevent digital currency being used to buy online child sexual abuse imagery.As technology evolves, so must our strategies for combating online child exploitation. This article delves into the seven best crypto exchanges in the United States for Bitcoin trading, renowned for their low-spread trading, high market liquidity, and transparent fees. We ve handpicked these platforms based on trading volume, exchange reputation, and the breadth of trading pairsThis requires a collective effort from governments, law enforcement, tech companies, and individuals.
Conclusion: A Call to Action
The **APR 15 DIGEST** highlights two critical issues: the fight against online child pornography and the growing acceptance of Bitcoin as an everyday currency. A new breed of company enabled his business: cryptocurrency exchanges. Mohammad's customers used these platforms to buy digital tokens with dollars and euros, and spend them with relativeThe Internet Watch Foundation's (IWF) efforts to combat CSAM by collaborating with Bitcoin exchanges are crucial in disrupting the financial mechanisms that enable these crimes.At the same time, Bitcoin's increasing adoption presents opportunities for innovation and economic empowerment. This investigative report reveals that between January 2025 and March 2025, nearly 4,000 Bitcoin transactions flowed from U.S.-linked cryptocurrency exchanges to wallets associated with CSAMHowever, it's essential to address the ethical challenges and ensure that Bitcoin is used responsibly.By working together, we can create a safer and more inclusive digital future.Remember, protecting children online is everyone's responsibility.Report any suspected CSAM to the IWF and support organizations that are working to combat this heinous crime. The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) is warning that criminals are using cryptocurrencies to access or buy images and videos of children suffering sexual abuse and rape online. Last year (2025), the IWF identified 250,000 websites containing child sexual abuse.Let's all play our part in making the internet a safer place for children and ensuring that Bitcoin is used for good.
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