SAFE ONLINE 2023 OPEN CALL

TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS TO MAKE THE INTERNET SAFE FOR CHILDREN

In October of 2020, Safe Online invested US$10 million into projects seeking to advance new, groundbreaking technological tools to prevent – and end – online child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). Last year, US$15 million was invested towards systems strengthening and tech solutions efforts.

With this new Open Call, we are seeking to expand on this work by continuing to create, adapt and scale technologies to deter online child sexual abuse. This year the Call is specifically focused on proposals to develop solutions that include technological and research approaches in one of two priority focus areas in preventing and combatting online CSEA: 1) addressing age assurance or 2) tackling live streaming of abuse.

Specifically, we are looking for projects that will focus on one of the following modalities in addressing the priority areas:

1. Development of solutions that utilise and implicate technology in innovative, groundbreaking ways that are scalable and globally applicable for addressing age assurance or live streaming of abuse. Solutions should be applied specifically to exact or related use cases for this Open Call (e.g. if online CSEA data is not available for application, use cases such as adult material could be used instead). Tech solutions we will fund include:

• design of a proof of concept that demonstrates an innovative use of technology to address the specific challenges posed around age assurance or live streaming of abuse, and clear plans for further research and testing;
• development of new prototypes or products – including hardware/software/content components – or of new features within existing products or tools;
• adaptation or combination of existing tools to address current gaps, increase efficacy and/or effectiveness, or apply to new use cases.

2. Actionable or exploratory research on social and policy questions to better understand the enabling environment for more effective implementation of solutions, as well as address unintended consequences and structural barriers to impact of tech solutions that address age assurance or live streaming of abuse in the online CSEA landscape, including a focus on any/all of the following:

• key populations (e.g. potential and actual victims, survivors, practitioners, would be and confirmed perpetrators, etc.),
• environment (e.g. tech platforms, geographies),
• and broader ecosystem (e.g. policy, legal, ethical, cultural, economic, etc.).

HOW MUCH?

End Violence will award up to USD$200,000 to non-profit or for-profit organisations to work on innovative solutions that leverage existing and develop new technologies as well as address social and policy questions through research to address challenges around age assurance or live streaming of abuse in the online CSEA space. The total funding envelope to be awarded through this Open Call is ~US$ 2 million

WHO CAN APPLY?

For this open call we are actively seeking submissions of proposals from nonprofit organisations – such as civil society organisations (CSOs), non-governmental organisations (NGOs), international organisations, research institutes and academic institutions – as well as private sector companies. Consortia of organizations with different strengths and expertise are highly encouraged.

WHAT SHOULD PROPOSALS ADDRESS?

The purpose of this Open Call is to strengthen cohesive, proactive approaches across the online CSEA ecosystem to current and upcoming legislation, emerging technology and constantly evolving threats. Age assurance and live streaming of child abuse are issues at the centre of many recent multistakeholder discussions around online child safety and the focus of this Open Call. Please read the Technical Guidance at the end of the Request for Proposals Guidelines document for important details on the scope of the Open Call.

We will fund tech solutions and research that meets the following standards:

Importantly, for this funding call, Safe Online will give preference to projects that are open access, and those that seek to create tools, research and outputs that will be made available to the widest range of actors possible.

To learn more about the general conditions and eligibility criteria, explore the Guidelines, and to access all the documentation needed including the application form see the Invitation Pack.

HOW TO APPLY?

Proposal applications must be submitted through the online form. All submissions must be made in English, submissions in other languages will not be accepted. Please attach the required annexes with your application form.

The last day for submissions of applications is 29 March 2023, midnight EST. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted and may be requested to provide additional clarification, as applicable.

DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?

Please check this FAQ (updated weekly) or submit questions through this form. Answers to all questions submitted will be shared publicly.