Brave Movement statement on the EU's decision to let online child protection measures expire

Brave Movement

26th March 2026

Brussels 26 March 2026 – Today’s vote in the European Parliament is a profound disappointment — and a step backward in the global effort to protect children from sexual violence online.

By failing to extend the interim measures that allow platforms to voluntarily detect and report child sexual abuse material, the European Union is removing a critical safeguard at a time when online risks to children are rapidly increasing. As of April 3, 2026, platforms will no longer legally be allowed to carry out this essential function.

This decision does not reduce harm. It reduces our ability to detect it, to stop it, and to prevent it.

Dr. Daniela Ligiero, founder of the Brave Movement: “We know from survivor voices and evidence that the continued circulation of child sexual abuse material causes lasting harm. Detection and removal are essential—not only to interrupt abuse, but to support healing and justice. Without these tools, opportunities to identify children at risk and intervene will be lost.”

What makes this moment even more concerning is the direction of global progress. In the United States, just this week, we have seen important movement forward, including landmark legal cases that are beginning to hold social media platforms accountable. Other countries around the world, including Brazil and Australia, are stepping up their legislation to ensure children are safe online.

In this context, Europe’s decision signals a troubling move in the wrong direction.

We recognize that policymakers are navigating complex questions in a rapidly evolving technological landscape while centering digital rights. These are important considerations. However, they cannot come at the expense of children’s safety. Protecting children and upholding rights must go hand in hand—and solutions exist to do both.

Mié Kohiyama, member of the Brave Movement and co-founder of BeBrave France: “The Brave Movement calls on the European Parliament, the European Commission, and EU Member States to urgently act to close this gap. This includes establishing an immediate legal pathway for the continued detection and reporting of child sexual abuse material, and accelerating progress toward a strong, long-term regulatory framework grounded in evidence and survivor experience.

Children and survivors cannot wait for perfect solutions.”

Brave Movement Spokespersons:

Dr. Daniela Ligiero, Founder, Brave Movement: [email protected]
Mié Kohiyama, co-founder the Brave Movement and co-founder of BeBrave France: [email protected]
Kanga Rasi, Deputy Director of Campaigns and Advocacy, Brave Movement: [email protected]

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Brave Movement welcomes signing of bipartisan Take It Down Act as “a step forward in protecting all children from online sexual abuse and exploitation.”

WASHINGTON DC, 19 May 2025 – The Brave Movement – a global movement of survivors and allies working to end sexual violence against children and adolescents – has welcomed the signing into law today of the Take It Down Act. Brave Movement Founder and CEO of Together for Girls, Dr Daniela Ligiero said: “ Online child sexual exploitation and abuse is an epidemic, and one growing at an exponential rate. More than 300 million children have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the last year, with 10 cases of abuse reported every second. In the run-up to the G7 Leaders’ Summit in Canada in June, the Brave Movement has called on all G7 countries to prioritize online safety as part of greater leadership action in ending all violence against children.