Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) Policy and Enforcement Protocol
Effective Date: 24/01/2025
Last Updated: 24/01/2025
1. Introduction
TXT.ME is dedicated to fostering a safe and secure environment for all users. To uphold this commitment, we implement a zero-tolerance policy toward Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This document outlines our policies, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms designed to comply with Google Play Developer Program Policies, as well as local and international laws related to the prevention and management of CSAM.
2. Scope and Definitions
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Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM):
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Any content (images, videos, text, audio, or other media) depicting or describing the sexual exploitation or abuse of a minor (individuals under 18 years of age).
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Includes material that visually or textually depicts minors in sexual activities (real or simulated) or that sexualizes minors.
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Zero-Tolerance Approach:
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Immediate removal of any detected or reported CSAM from the platform.
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Reporting of such content to relevant authorities or designated clearinghouses (e.g., the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) in the U.S.) when appropriate.
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Content Verification:
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TXT.ME employs an advanced AI-based tool to pre-validate all user-generated content before publication.
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For video content, the AI tool performs expedited verification and ensures prompt removal if any CSAM is detected.
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3. Compliance with Google Play Policies
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Alignment with Google Play Developer Program Policies:
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TXT.ME strictly adheres to Google Play’s guidelines regarding user-generated content, particularly those prohibiting sexual content involving minors.
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Our AI-driven content moderation ensures proactive prevention and swift removal of any violations.
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User Education and Awareness:
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Our Terms of Service and Community Guidelines explicitly state our zero-tolerance policy for CSAM.
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Clear instructions are provided for users to report any questionable content or profiles.
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4. Content Moderation Workflows
Leveraging our AI-based tool, our content moderation process is streamlined and highly efficient:
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Automated Screening Tools:
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AI-Based Pre-Validation:
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All content submitted by users is automatically scanned by our AI tool before being published.
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Keyword and Context Analysis: Textual and audio content is analyzed for keywords or phrases indicative of the sexual exploitation of minors.
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Real-Time Video Verification:
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Video content undergoes expedited AI verification to ensure compliance.
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If the AI detects any potential CSAM, the content is immediately removed, and appropriate actions are taken.
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Automated Removal and Reporting:
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Immediate Action:
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Upon detection of CSAM by the AI tool, the content is instantly removed from the platform to prevent any exposure.
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Data Retention for Legal Compliance:
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Necessary metadata and evidence related to the detected CSAM are securely stored in compliance with local laws, facilitating potential law enforcement investigations.
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Escalation Protocol:
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In instances where the AI tool identifies ambiguous or borderline content, the content is escalated to a specialized team for further review.
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This team ensures that content not conclusively identified by AI is appropriately handled.
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5. User Reporting Mechanism
While our AI tool serves as the primary line of defense, we also empower users to assist in maintaining platform safety:
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Reporting Interface:
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A prominently placed "Report" button is available on every post or profile.
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A specific category is dedicated to reporting child sexual abuse or exploitation.
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Anonymous Reporting (Where Legally Permissible):
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Users can submit reports anonymously, encouraging more individuals to report suspicious or harmful content without fear of retaliation.
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Prioritized AI Review:
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Reports flagged by users as CSAM trigger an immediate AI-driven review, ensuring rapid response and action.
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Feedback to Reporters:
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When permissible, users receive confirmation that their reports have been received and are under review, fostering trust in the platform's safety measures.
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6. Collaboration and Reporting to Authorities
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Mandatory Reporting:
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TXT.ME complies with jurisdictional requirements for mandatory reporting of CSAM.
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Detected CSAM is promptly reported to designated agencies such as NCMEC or local law enforcement as required by law.
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7. Additional Preventative Measures
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Age Verification (If Applicable):
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For features involving live streaming or other sensitive content, additional age verification steps may be implemented to protect minors from exploitation.
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Guardian Consent and Monitoring (If Applicable):
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In contexts where minors are active on the platform, parental or guardian consent may be required.
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Parental tools and educational resources are provided to help guardians monitor and guide minors' online activities.
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User Education:
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Regular in-app messages educate users about our policies, how to report suspicious activity, and best practices for online safety.
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8. Governance, Review, and Updates
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Policy Ownership:
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A designated Policy & Compliance Officer oversees the enforcement of our CSAM policy and ensures it remains current with evolving threats and legal requirements.
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Regular Audits:
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Periodic internal audits of our AI moderation processes and tools are conducted to assess efficacy and compliance, leading to continuous improvements.
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Policy Updates:
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TXT.ME reviews and updates its CSAM policy at least annually or in response to significant legal or technological changes.
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Users are notified of substantial policy changes through in-app notifications or email communications.
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Staff Safeguards:
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Although our AI handles the bulk of content moderation, any human oversight ensures that staff are trained and supported to handle sensitive issues responsibly.
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9. Compliance and Legal Considerations
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Local and International Law:
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Our policy aligns with Google Play Developer Program Policies and is designed to comply with the broadest applicable standards across the regions we serve.
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Adaptations are made to meet region-specific regulations and definitions regarding minors and sexual exploitation.
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Data Protection:
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Data retained for evidentiary purposes adheres to stringent data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
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All stored data is secured to prevent unauthorized access or breaches.
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Disclaimers:
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This policy is not legal advice. TXT.ME continually consults legal experts to ensure procedures align with evolving legislation and industry standards.
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Conclusion
TXT.ME is unwavering in its commitment to preventing any form of child sexual exploitation on our platform. By utilizing a robust AI-based pre-publication moderation system, combined with efficient reporting mechanisms and mandatory authority collaborations, we strive to uphold and exceed Google Play’s standards for user protection and safety.
For any questions regarding this policy, please contact: services@meliorapps.org