DoubleVerify (DV), a leading software platform for digital media measurement, data, and analytics, has announced a new partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to combat the spread of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) online and prevent its monetization through digital advertising. Partnership Overview and Impact The partnership gives DV access to the IWF's world-leading tools and datasets, which are specifically designed to detect and identify criminal imagery, particularly CSAM. This enhanced protection will help cut off ad funding to exploitative and illegal content, a critical step in reducing the financial incentives for those who create and distribute such material. Derek Ray-Hill, CEO of IWF, highlighted the significance of this collaboration: "Given its role in the digital advertising ecosystem, DoubleVerify will help lead the way in how adtech companies can help prevent the monetization of CSAM. This partnership enables us to move faster and further together in the fight to protect children online by scaling efforts to shut down monetization pathways for this harmful content." Mark Zagorski, CEO of DoubleVerify, echoed Ray-Hill's sentiment, emphasizing the importance of collective action: "The fight against illegal and harmful content online requires not just talk, but ongoing, collective action. By working together across advertisers, adtech platforms, publishers, law enforcement, and third-party experts, we can make a meaningful impact in keeping digital advertising safe, responsible, and free from the monetization of harmful content." Key Initiatives and Progress Earlier this year, DV introduced several initiatives to support the demonetization of ad-supported CSAM across the open web. These efforts include: Incorporating IWF’s URL List: DV will integrate the IWF’s comprehensive index of known CSAM-hosting webpages into its "Highly Illicit: Do Not Monetize" content category. This step ensures that ads are not served on any pages listed in the IWF database. Enhanced Detection and Reporting: Moving forward, DV and IWF plan to strengthen the detection and reporting of potential CSAM. DV will flag any potentially harmful content not yet identified by IWF, allowing for swift verification and takedown. Global Collaboration: IWF works closely with organizations like the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the U.S., as well as European and African counterparts, to ensure efficient and effective reporting and removal of CSAM. Significance of the Partnership The partnership comes at a crucial time, as the IWF reported detecting more webpages containing CSAM in 2024 than in any previous year in its 29-year history. This increase underscores the growing threat and the need for robust measures to combat it. DV is also leveraging leading third-party technology partners to automate the detection of suspected illicit content as part of its classification process. This integration will further solidify DV’s position as a leader in creating a safer digital environment, especially for children. Broader Industry Context The initiatives by DV reflect a broader industry and legislative push to protect young users online. Digital advertising platforms play a pivotal role in this effort, as they can significantly influence the financial viability of harmful content. By taking proactive steps, DV aims to ensure that advertising does not inadvertently support exploitative activities, thus contributing to a more responsible media ecosystem. About DoubleVerify DoubleVerify (NYSE: DV) is a prominent media effectiveness platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to drive superior outcomes for global brands. By fostering transparency and security in digital ad transactions, DV helps preserve the integrity of the digital advertising market. For more information, visit www.doubleverify.com. Industry Evaluation Industry insiders view the partnership between DV and IWF as a significant step forward in the battle against online child exploitation. The collaboration not only leverages cutting-edge technology and data but also emphasizes the importance of coordinated efforts among various stakeholders. This approach is expected to set a standard for responsibility and safety in the digital advertising sector, encouraging other companies to follow suit. The combined expertise of DV in adtech and IWF in CSAM detection positions them as powerful allies in this critical endeavor.