The Black Employee Network is comprised of chapters across Ann Arbor, Australia/New Zealand, Brazil, Dallas/Frisco, DC/Virtual, Minneapolis-St. Paul, New York City, Toronto/Canada Virtual, and London. These nine chapters partner with decision-makers and brand ambassadors to attract, retain, and develop talent and make Thomson Reuters a great place to work.

Brittney, a Talent Acquisition Partner in Ann Arbor, reflects on her experience with the Black Employee Network: “My involvement has transformed my professional experience. Through the Black Employee Network, I’ve had the privilege of building meaningful connections, serving as a trusted resource, and witnessing our members’ growth and success. It’s been rewarding to collaborate across chapters toward our shared mission of advancement.”

The flagship event for Black History Month at Thomson Reuters featured a podcast-style dialogue between Global Manager Jesse Waugh and Dr. Tara Bynum, Associate Professor at the University of Iowa. Dr. Bynum, author of “Reading Pleasures: Everyday Black Life in Early America,” offered fresh perspectives on amplifying Black voices in the digital age while examining historical narratives. Dr. Bynum emphasized the importance of recognizing the inner lives and complex experiences of enslaved people, challenging narratives that limit their humanity to public expressions of pain and anger.

In a powerful roundtable discussion, two of our Reuters’ editorial colleagues, Kat and Makini, led an insightful conversation on navigating journalism as Black professionals, moderated by Kteba, a Senior Attorney Editor. The session explored the evolution of Black journalism and the impact of digital platforms.

Across regions, our Black Employee Network chapters hosted a range of events throughout the month. In Toronto, we welcomed entertainment reporter Rudy Blair and partnered with the National Film Board for a special reggae documentary screening. In Frisco, we organized an impactful leadership panel featuring one of our Thomson Reuters alumni, Gabrielle Madison. At the same time, our Minneapolis-St. Paul chapter celebrated through literary voices, and the Ann Arbor chapter focused on wellness through art and mindfulness activities.

All Thomson Reuters employees, including allies, are welcome to join the Black Employee Network, whether as active members or supporters staying informed about our initiatives. Visit our Inside Thomson Reuters page to learn more about our business resource groups and how to get involved.

Interested in a career at Thomson Reuters?

• Learn more about our employer story in our digital magazine 
• Check out our career site to explore our 600+ open roles
• Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, updates, and stories

Volunteering our time

During our annual Global Volunteer Day in 2024, Thomson Reuters employees logged an impressive 8,000 volunteer hours, supporting over 100 nonprofit organizations across 16 countries.

The recipient of the fifth annual Carla Jones Social Impact Award played a pivotal role in a significant reforestation initiative in Mexico City, positively impacting the local community and the environment.

During our fourth annual IMPACTathon, 165 employees teamed up as pro bono consultants to support 39 nonprofit organizations from six countries. Employees dedicated more than 975 hours, valued at over USD 214,500* in pro bono consulting.

Leveraging our tech for good

The introduction of our AI for Justice program hopes to bring the power of generative AI to legal aid organizations to transform the way justice is delivered in the U.S. and beyond. The program provides legal nonprofits free access to CoCounsel, Thomson Reuters’ cutting-edge AI legal assistant.

An example of how we leverage our tech for good was the launch of the Safe Settings Campaign. The campaign provides parents, caregivers, and family members with critical information to keep children safe online.

We expanded our human trafficking training efforts, hosting three global panels to help employees understand various forms of human trafficking, how Thomson Reuters utilizes data and technology to support global anti-trafficking efforts, and how to keep children safe online.

The Thomson Reuters Institute launched the Human Rights Crimes Resource Center, a website that offers valuable resources for risk & compliance professionals in both corporate and governmental sectors. The Resource Center provides detailed insights and tools to tackle some of the most pressing human rights issues in our world today.

Making an impact through partnerships

The Thomson Reuters Institute/National Center for State Courts AI Policy Consortium for Law and Courts is our joint initiative with the National Center for State Courts (NCSC) that informs and educates the judiciary about AI and generative AI solutions, focusing on opportunities, challenges, and responsible adoption in the court system. This partnership is crucial as it positions the consortium to be the leading voice in the ethical and effective integration of AI into the U.S. justice system.

In partnership with the McCain Institute, Thomson Reuters hosted the UNGA Women, Peace and Security Roundtable during the 79th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA79). The roundtable brought together influential female leaders and male allies to discuss strategies for increasing women’s participation and leadership in peace and security roles. Promoting women’s equal participation in these areas is crucial for achieving sustainable peace, protecting women’s and girls’ human rights, and fostering more inclusive and resilient societies, ultimately leading to better outcomes for all.

2024 was a year of significant progress and impact for the Thomson Reuters Social Impact Institute and Government Affairs teams. Our efforts extended to supporting the judiciary in responsibly adopting AI solutions, empowering legal aid organizations with cutting-edge technology, and promoting women’s participation in peace and security roles. As we look ahead to 2025, we remain dedicated to expanding our reach and deepening our impact. Together, we will continue to leverage our expertise, technology, and passion for social responsibility to build a more just, inclusive, and sustainable world.

To learn more about our progress, check out our expanded Social Impact & ESG Report with impact stories and additional data.

*Pro bono valuation is calculated using the average hourly value for pro bono service (USD 220 per hour), as referenced by the Taproot Foundation. 

Interested in a career at Thomson Reuters?

• Learn more about our employer story in our digital magazine 
• Check out our career site to explore our 600+ open roles
• Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, updates, and stories

Support for Continuous Learning

Our commitment to continuous learning remained strong with three enterprise-wide learning days, engaging over 14,000 colleagues on key topics and skills:

February: AI in Action

Employees invested in building their mindset and comfort with using AI to enhance their work. Colleagues shared practical advice and inspiring use cases from various areas of the company.

April: Understanding Our Business

We deepened our understanding of Thomson Reuters’ business strategy and financials, strengthening our collective business acumen.

October: Product Learning Week

Colleagues gained insights into our products, their impact, and future product roadmaps for 2025. We launched a library of on-demand product demos and provided opportunities for everyone at Thomson Reuters to experiment with our new CoCounsel generative AI assistant.

Grow My Way

This year, we proudly launched Grow My Way, an initiative to support career growth in our dynamic work environment. It aims to:

1. Help colleagues continuously develop skills that enhance current and future career opportunities.
2. Enable leaders and managers to effectively adapt to meet rapidly changing business needs.

Grow My Way included webinars on AI’s impact on work, new skills necessary to stay relevant in today’s market, the value of hands-on projects for career growth, and building a professional network. We also introduced an AI-enabled Careers and Skills Explorer tool to help colleagues identify development areas and potential career moves.

Celebrating AI Adoption

Our journey with AI has been remarkable. In 2024, a substantial number of our colleagues regularly used AI tools, surpassing our initial expectations. Over 11,000 colleagues have completed our AI Foundations course, and 3,800 have developed advanced skills in prompting and our internal AI platforms. The AI in Action Storytelling Series highlighted how AI has enhanced work efficiency and enjoyment. We supported AI engagement through hackathons, challenges, and a global network of AI champions.

Manager Development

In 2024, we launched Managing at TR, an onboarding program to support new managers and equip them with essential tools and skills. More than 700 managers participated globally, with 93% finding it a valuable investment. We continuously evolve the program based on feedback to best position our new managers for success.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As we enter the new year, we’re excited to make learning and career development even more personalized and impactful. We will enhance Grow My Way and explore new AI tools, including various AI-powered digital assistants, to enrich our colleagues’ learning experiences. Our focus is on equipping all Thomson Reuters employees with the skills needed for a successful future.

If you’re interested in joining our team, check out our careers site and view our open roles.

Interested in a career at Thomson Reuters?

• Learn more about our employer story in our digital magazine 
• Check out our career site to explore our 600+ open roles
• Follow us on LinkedIn for the latest news, updates, and stories

Women’s equal participation in political and security decision-making is essential to achieve peace and security goals, as well as protecting women’s and girls’ human rights, leading to a better outcome for all.

Women, Peace and Security is a policy framework born from UN Security Council Resolution 1325, adopted in 2000. The resolution acknowledges the disproportionate impacts of conflict on women and girls, while also recognizing the critical—though often overlooked—role women play in security, conflict prevention, management, and peacebuilding efforts. Research consistently shows that when women are involved in decision-making processes related to conflict and security, as well as in the protection of women’s and girls’ rights, positive outcomes are more likely and sustainable. Ensuring women’s equal participation in political and security decision-making is vital to achieving lasting peace and security.

Advancing the WPS agenda is a key pillar in Thomson Reuters’ human rights work. The 2024 roundtable, held under Chatham House rule, brought together global experts and leaders involved in WPS from diverse sectors, building on discussions in the 2023 event. By convening representatives from government, the justice sector, diplomacy, law enforcement and military, Thomson Reuters seeks to build discussion and action on how to drive and support the presence of women in key roles that uphold democracy and the rule of law.

Moderated by Heather C. Fischer, Senior Advisor for Social Impact and Human Rights at Thomson Reuters, and Kristin Abrams, Chief Program Officer at the McCain Institute, the roundtable was organized into three panels: Leading from the Front: 2023-2024 in Review, Efforts to Mobilize Public-Private Sector Engagement, and An Academic Perspective in Emerging Promising and Best Practices. Opening remarks were provided by representatives from UN Women and the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE), who set the tone by reviewing both the successes and shortcomings of WPS implementation in 2023. They highlighted key challenges, such as the absence of women signatories in any peace agreements in 2023 and a 50% increase in reported instances of sexual violence in conflict zones, as reported by the UN. They called for an intersectional and inclusive approach to Women, Peace and Security, as well as the need for new creative strategies to overcome existing barriers.

Key Takeaways and Recommendations

1. Adopting a Multistakeholder Approach
   Progress requires leveraging the strengths of multiple sectors, particularly by fostering collaboration between the private and public sectors. Combining resources, expertise, and influence across various fields will enable a more effective and holistic implementation of WPS goals.
2. Moving from Commitment to Implementation
   While there is no shortage of commitments to the WPS agenda, participants underscored the challenges in translating these commitments into action. For example, despite over 100 countries adopting WPS National Action Plans (NAPs), only 31 have developed estimates for implementation costs.[i] There was a call for comprehensive policies that bridge the gap between commitment and execution, backed by the necessary legal frameworks, foreign policy initiatives, and funding to ensure successful implementation.
3. Emphasizing Bottom-up Approaches
   While high-level policy and governmental action are critical, participants emphasized the importance of grassroots movements and community-level initiatives. A bottom-up approach was highlighted as equally essential in addressing gaps in policy and informing the creation of more effective strategies. Localized actions can contribute to closing implementation gaps and ensuring that WPS policies are responsive to the needs of those most affected.
4. Raising Visibility and Awareness
   Despite its importance, WPS remains underrecognized by both the public and policymakers. Participants called for increased efforts to raise visibility and awareness of WPS, both through education campaigns and through branding the initiative in ways that resonate with broader audiences. The lack of awareness undermines the effectiveness of the initiative, and increasing visibility is key to maintaining momentum.
5. Investing in Younger Generations
   The roundtable also emphasized the importance of educating and engaging younger generations to sustain and enhance the WPS agenda. Investing in youth is critical to ensuring the long-term success of WPS efforts and building a new generation of leaders committed to peace and security.

Organizations That Participated in the Roundtable:

AllTru

Center for Women’s Economic Empowerment at the Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)

Committed to Good

Government of Pakistan

Jones Day

McCain Institute at Arizona State University

Naval War College

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement (NOBLE)

Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE)

Our Secure Future

Oxford University

PAX sapiens

Philadelphia Foundation

RAND Corporation

The Knoble

Thomson Reuters

Thomson Reuters Special Services

Harvard University

U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

U.S. Department of State, Global Women’s Issues (GWI)

U.S. Senate Select Committee on Intelligence

UN Women

Women in Federal Law Enforcement (WIFLE)

[i] https://oursecurefuture.org/sites/default/files/2023-05/OSF-NAP-InfographicCompanion-April26-2023.pdf

This year, Abraham played a pivotal role in a significant reforestation initiative in Mexico City, which had a profound impact on both the local community and the environment. Abraham, along with the Global Volunteer Network-Mexico City, collaborated with Cultura Integral Forestal, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving Mexico’s natural parks. Through this partnership, Abraham helped organize and execute four major environmental activities aimed at making a tangible difference.

“Participating in this reforestation project has been profoundly transformative for our team. It has deepened our understanding of environmental issues and our role in addressing them. The hands-on experience of planting trees and witnessing their growth has instilled a sense of accomplishment and responsibility towards the planet. It has also strengthened our team dynamics. We will also continue to work on this project next year.” – Abraham Fuentes

Carla Jones was a remarkable colleague who lived our values and inspired others to do the same. For more than two decades, she was a trusted and valued advisor, serving as chief of staff to our previous three CEOs. Known for her grace, humility, and generosity, Carla lived her life treating people with kindness and giving back to others.

The Carla Jones Social Impact Award was created in her memory based on her passion for social issues and making a positive impact in our communities. The award recognizes employees that demonstrate extraordinary social impact in line with Thomson Reuters values.

A $10,000 USD donation will be made to Cultura Integral Forestal. This grant will help Abraham and the Global Volunteer Network continue their reforestation efforts with the organization in 2025 and beyond.

1) Advancing Transformational Governance with the UN Global Compact 

Thomson Reuters supported the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) with the launch of their Transformational Governance Toolkit, an initiative aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16. By providing practical insights and actionable steps, the guide empowers companies to align their governance structures with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and create long-term value for all stakeholders.  

Thomson Reuters assembled a cross-functional team of experts who volunteered their time and skills to assist the UNGC in developing key messages, conducting landscape research analysis, and creating detailed audience personas for the toolkit’s launch campaign. Over the course of two half-day pro bono sprints, the Thomson Reuters team provided valuable marketing and communication strategies that the resource-limited UNGC team could not have developed on their own. This collaboration not only aided in the successful launch of the Transformational Governance Toolkit in February 2024 but also exemplifies how pro bono work can provide major influence in a very short amount of time.  Read more about our work together. 

2) Increasing Capacity and Reach for Lawyers Without Borders 

Through two IMPACTathon sessions, Thomson Reuters employees volunteered their expertise to address critical challenges faced by Lawyers Without Borders (LWOB). The first session focused on developing a Marketing and Communications Strategy, helping LWOB clarify their messaging and better articulate their impact. The second session tackled program and project management systems, providing LWOB with concrete solutions to streamline their operations. These initiatives demonstrate how skilled professionals can leverage their knowledge to significantly enhance a nonprofit’s capacity and effectiveness. 

The impact of these pro bono efforts extends far beyond the 58 hours volunteered or the $11,500 value of services provided. By improving LWOB’s ability to communicate their mission and manage their projects more efficiently, Thomson Reuters’ pro bono work has indirectly contributed to serving hundreds, if not thousands, more individuals in need of legal support worldwide. This case study highlights how pro bono consulting can create a ripple effect, amplifying a nonprofit’s reach and impact. It showcases the potential of corporate skills-based volunteering to drive meaningful change in the pursuit of global justice and human rights, ultimately demonstrating that when professionals donate their time and expertise, they can help organizations overcome critical challenges and achieve their missions more effectively. Read more about our work together. 

3) Driving Legal Inclusion and Access to Justice with the Justice Technology Association 

Through two consecutive long-term pro bono projects, Thomson Reuters employees volunteered their expertise to support the Justice Technology Association, a newly formed organization dedicated to bringing together tech entrepreneurs to pursue equity in the justice system. The first project focused on developing clear messaging and a well-defined value proposition for JTA, resulting in a robust strategic key messaging document and a pitch deck for potential members and investors. The second project involved creating a new website to enhance JTA’s online presence, reach, and SEO capabilities. 

These pro bono efforts, totaling over 850 volunteer hours valued at nearly $167,000, demonstrate how skilled professionals can leverage their knowledge to significantly enhance a nonprofit’s capacity and effectiveness in the justice technology sector. By improving JTA’s ability to communicate its mission and attract new members and partners, Thomson Reuters’ pro bono work has indirectly contributed to making the legal system more accessible and fairer for everyone. This case study highlights how corporate skills-based volunteering can drive meaningful change in the pursuit of a more equitable justice system, ultimately demonstrating that when professionals donate their time and expertise, they can help organizations overcome critical challenges and achieve their missions of increasing access to justice for all. Read more about our work together. 

As we celebrate Global Pro Bono Week, these projects serve as a testament to the power of collaboration and the positive impact that can be achieved when businesses dedicate their skills and knowledge to social causes. By supporting organizations like the UN Global Compact, Lawyers Without Borders, and the Justice Technology Association, we’re helping to advance sustainable business practices, strengthen the rule of law, and promote innovation in the justice sector.  

Thomson Reuters remains committed to continuing our pro bono efforts, driving positive change, and contributing to a more just and sustainable world. 

Our mission is to grow, promote, and retain employees of the Latino community, in addition to fostering the cultural and professional growth of Latino talent at Thomson Reuters. With our allies, we are dedicated to increasing representation, eliminating stereotypes through education, and celebrating our diverse cultures.

Hispanic Heritage Month 2024

Hispanic Heritage Month at Thomson Reuters has been a vibrant and enriching celebration. This annual event honors the rich history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans. The month holds special significance as it coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Mexico, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. Our celebrations featured a mix of virtual and in-person activities and sessions, ensuring employees from all locations could participate and engage.

To kick off Hispanic Heritage Month, members of the Thomson Reuters Latino Employee Network in Minneapolis–Saint Paul proudly attended LiderCon 2024, a Latino leadership conference. This event brought together Latino leaders from various companies in the Twin Cities, and we were thrilled to host a booth at the Opportunity Expo. Attendees had the chance to learn more about us and our commitment to diversity and inclusion. As the Hispanic community continues to grow in the United States, this conference provided an invaluable opportunity for our Hispanic leaders to connect, learn, and strengthen their roles as leaders and allies.

Following this, we hosted the Spanish is My Superpower kickoff party, uniting employees to celebrate the significance of the Spanish language and its cultural impact. The festivities continued with a lively salsa dance class, where participants enjoyed learning new dance moves and connecting through music.

During the month, employees had the opportunity to participate in weekly Spanish lessons led by one of our members, Daniel, an Attorney Editor. These sessions were an excellent way for employees to improve their language skills while immersing themselves in Hispanic culture.

One of the highlights of our celebration was the Latino leader fireside chat with Laura Clayton-McDonnell, President of Corporates, moderated by Gerardo Casahonda, VP of Indirect Tax. Laura proudly shared her Panamanian roots and emphasized the importance of ‘familia,’ highlighting the need for the community to stay united and support one another. She provided valuable insights on building strong, supportive networks within the workplace and beyond, and recommended the book Growth Mindset by Carol Dweck to inspire everyone to embrace continuous learning and development.

Additionally, we hosted virtual cultural explorations that allowed employees to journey through Cuba and explore the Dominican Republic. The journey through Cuba event, hosted by Rocio, an Attorney Editor, provided an in-depth look into Cuba’s rich history, traditions, and contributions, enhancing our understanding and appreciation of its culture. Similarly, the explore the Dominican Republic event was led by Ramses, a Senior Financial Analyst, who shared the vibrant culture and heritage of the Dominican Republic.

Who can join the Latino Employee Network?
The Latino Employee Network offers numerous opportunities to grow, promote, and retain Latino talent at Thomson Reuters. With three chapters across the United States—in Ann Arbor, Dallas, and Minneapolis/St. Paul—the network is a vibrant and integral part of our organization.

We invite all Thomson Reuters employees to join the Latino Employee Network, whether you are part of the Hispanic community or an ally. Participating in these events is a wonderful way to connect, learn, and celebrate the diverse cultures that enrich our organization. We look forward to continuing this important tradition in the years to come. Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this month a success!

Let’s look at our impact by the numbers:

• Over 2,500 employees participated in 16 countries
• We supported over 100 charitable organizations through organized volunteer events
• Our team volunteered over 9,800 hours, surpassing last year’s total of 6,800 hours

How did we make a difference? On Global Volunteer Day, a range of initiatives were launched to address various community needs. Some employees chose to volunteer independently, while others participated in one of the 80 group volunteer events organized by our dedicated team captains.

Food Insecurity: Employees addressed food insecurity by packing groceries for pantry clients, sorting perishable and non-perishable items, and preparing and serving over 4,000 meals.

Support for Senior Citizens: Senior citizens received sensory cushions, care packages, household cleaning kits, and freshly prepared meals delivered to their homes.

Housing and Homelessness: Efforts to combat housing and homelessness included distributing food, medicine, and clothing to unhoused individuals and digitally mapping remote areas to aid disaster relief efforts.

Environmental Initiatives: Multiple environmental efforts were undertaken, such as beach and park cleanups, upcycling recycled materials, and planting native plants, shrubs, and trees.

A few of our teammates and Global Volunteer Day captains reflected on their experiences. 

“What a rewarding day spent giving back to the local tri-city community! Not only could we contribute to a wholesome cause, but we also learned completely new skills.” – Monika, Gdansk

“Knowing that our collective efforts were helping families during some of their most challenging times was a fulfilling experience. The simple act of shopping for essential items and seeing the impact of our contributions to the Ronald McDonald House Charities reaffirmed the power of community and compassion.” – Casey, United States

“Our team in Zug brought willing hands and energy to the table to pack over 1,000 hygiene kits for communities in need in Switzerland!” – Janice, Switzerland

“Participating in the eco-friendly crafting and recycling event was incredibly rewarding. Not only did we create something useful and environmentally friendly, but we also learned so much about sustainability. ” – Sai Ganesh, India

Our 2024 Global Volunteer Day once again highlighted our unwavering passion for volunteering, reinforcing our dedication to making a positive impact in communities around the world. Check out our recap post on LinkedIn for more photos of our people making a difference on Global Volunteer Day!

Before introducing the newest cohort, let’s revisit what a Distinguished Engineer is at Thomson Reuters.

A Distinguished Engineer is a senior technologist with extensive experience, deep technical knowledge, and an understanding of diverse methodologies and best practices. They have a proven track record of technical deliveries, can see the big picture, dive into technical details, and explain complex concepts to various audiences. As role models, mentors, and thought leaders, they drive innovation and empower others to strive for excellence. They also serve as tech ambassadors, promoting achievements and best practices internally and externally. At Thomson Reuters, becoming a Distinguished Engineer requires passing selection criteria focused on technical skills, expertise, leadership, ambassadorship, and a minimum of five years of tenure.

Distinguished Engineers are selected every two years through a process led by current Distinguished Engineers. We are proud to introduce the second cohort of Distinguished Engineers, each bringing unique expertise and a wealth of experience to our organization.

Eamon Mason, Principal Solutions Architect

Eamon has been instrumental in building products, designing frameworks, and championing cloud adoption. Eamon is currently part of Platform Engineering, working on the patterns for easier capability adoption by engineers, improving content consumption, and modernizing cloud applications.

Danilo Tommasina, Director of Engineering

Danilo has significantly contributed to scaling TR Labs’ engineering organization, increasing the throughput of AI research and development. Danilo is a proponent of automation, including MLOps processes and Infrastructure as Code principles.

Naveen Polamreddi, Architect/Principal Engineer

Naveen has led motivated engineering teams in Platform Engineering and is currently working as an Architect focusing on Enterprise AI Services in all our Public Clouds. He has extensive experience working across multiple public clouds. Naveen also leads Technical Council in India and drives various local initiatives, including meetups and hackathons.

Ramdev Wudali, Data Architect AI & BI Platforms

Ramdev has been pivotal in designing an enterprise-scale AI platform that enables data scientists and citizen developers to move from ideation to production with AI-based solutions. Ramdev is now focusing on defining the Gen AI Platform capabilities, furthering AI democratization, and building skills across the enterprise.

The new cohort of Distinguished Engineers will work closely with stakeholders to enhance the quality and sophistication of our digital products and services. Their efforts will solidify Thomson Reuters’ position as a leading tech company, providing a competitive edge in the marketplace.

Alongside our current Distinguished Engineers, the new cohort will help shape the program and further strengthen our engineering culture, providing purpose for our technologists and fostering an environment where engineering excellence thrives. We will be selecting the next cohort in 2026.

Real online safety starts, and continues, by creating a safe environment to talk openly with children about the dangers of online exploitation. It’s important to create physical safe settings by sharing age-appropriate resources on how kids can safely navigate online, and it’s also important to use the built-in safe settings on the websites and platforms that children access.

Below you will find information and resources to help understand the risk of online child exploitation, how you can take action to help protect children online, and where to access further advice and support if you need it.

We are calling on everyone to support our efforts.

Our ask is simple: we need to inform as many parents, caregivers and concerned adults of the dangers of online child exploitation and equip them with the information they need to help keep children safe.

• Please spread the word and support the Safe Settings campaign
• Follow Thomson Reuters on social media to stay informed, and share the Safe Settings social posts with advice for parents and caregivers (X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram)

What is the risk?

Tragically today a record number of children are being exploited online. No child is immune from falling victim to sexual abuse.

Online child exploitation can take various forms including Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM), sextortion schemes and child sex trafficking. Sextortion is a form of online blackmail where children are tricked online into sending intimate pictures of themselves to people who then threaten to distribute the sexual images unless the victim complies with their demands, often money or additional explicit images.

• 300 million+ children globally under the age of 18 have been affected by online child sexual exploitation and abuse in the last 12 months*
• 1 in 8 children globally have been subjected to online solicitation in the last 12 months*
• 36+ million reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation in the U.S alone in 2023**
• The growing use of Gen AI to produce Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is further fueling the rising threat to children.

* Childlight Global Child Safety Institute

** U.S. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Where are children at risk?

Children can be approached online across a variety of websites and platforms, including social media and gaming platforms. The advancement of technology, and the variety of platforms that exist, have increased the reach and opportunity of abusers.

How to recognize the signs

Learn to recognize what could be online child exploitation

• Someone who sends friend request to multiple children in the same location to appear to be a mutual friend once one accepts
• Someone who seeks to develop a rapport through compliments and shared interests, also known as grooming
• Someone who targets children with limited adult supervision
• Asking a child for sexually explicit images
• Someone who pretends to be younger to initiate contact with child
• AI generated child sexual abuse images shared to extort real images from children
• Financial sextortion where children are tricked into sending intimate pictures of themselves to people who then threaten to distribute the sexual images unless the victim complies with their demands, often money or additional explicit images.

Be aware of the red flags you should watch for in children’s behavior which may indicate they are falling victim to online exploitation

• At home they frequently shut their door when using technology.
• They hide their screen activity from adults.
• Time spent on digital media increases in a noticeable way.
• They share less information about their interactions or activities online.
• They become increasingly possessive over their phone or other devices and become agitated or fearful if someone tries to access it.
• Unexplained sadness, fear, or anxiety.
• Noticeable changes in eating or sleeping habits.

Educate children on the red flags they should watch for when interacting online

• Profiles with limited to no information, only one photo, few friends or followers
• Choppy chat language
• Someone who requests personal information
• Asking them to hop to a different method of communication or a different app
• Offers of incentives such as gift cards, alcohol, drugs, lodging, transportation, or food
• Asking them for sexually explicit images

Approaching online safety with the children in your life

1 – Set ground rules for online activity

Set boundaries which work for you and the children in your life around their internet usage. Cellphones, tablets, and all connected devices should have child privacy protections and monitored by guardians.

2 – Don’t just rely on device settings

Time, attention and active conversations are best for keeping kids safe online.

3 – Understand where your child is online

Take a genuine interest in the technology platforms so you better understand what the children in your life are doing online, and ensure you know who they are talking to online.

4 – Limit internet access

Taking away internet access rarely solves the problem. Instead, limit access so children are not isolated from friends, family and other support systems.

5 – Keep up the discussion regularly

Show that you’re willing to listen and respond calmly by having face-to-face conversations about what happens online.

Actions children can take to protect themselves online

• Do not share their location online
• Make their profiles private
• Do not accept friend requests from people they don’t know
• Remember not to delete chats or pictures as they can be used later for evidence
• Tell a trusted adult to contact law enforcement if they are worried or suspicious
• Do not pay or send more images when you believe you are being a victim of sextortion
• Explain the importance of child privacy settings on devices.

Where can you get further support and advice

Resources to on how to get images taken down if they were shared

• • Take it down advice from the U.S. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (under 18yrs)
  • Stop Non-Consensual Intimate Image Abuse (over 18 yrs)
  • INHOPE – Association of Internet Hotline Providers

Resources on reporting online child sexual exploitation. This includes online enticement of children for sexual acts, extra-familial child sexual molestation, child pornography, child sex tourism, child sex trafficking, unsolicited obscene materials sent to children, misleading domain names, and misleading words or digital images on the internet)

• U.S. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children CyberTip Line
• Know2Protect resources from the US Department of Homeland Security

Resources for additional safety advice and information

• • NetSmartz: The U.S. National Center for Missing & Exploited Children’s online safety education program for children
  • Interpol: Keeping children safe online
  • Canadian Centre for Child Protection
  • Better Internet for Kids EU
  • UK Safer Internet Centre
  • WeProtect Global Alliance against child sexual exploitation and abuse online
• U.S. Department of Justice: Keeping Kids Safe Online

About the Thomson Reuters Safe Settings Campaign

At Thomson Reuters we’re focused on leveraging our technology and expertise to help tackle this pressing issue. We all have a responsibility to help keep children safe online.

As well as providing information to parents and caregivers, we also want to drive collective action among a broader community of organizations such as across companies, the public sector and NGOs. Together we can have a collective and ongoing impact to stop online child exploitation.