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SOHO Connect – CSAE Prevention & Response Standards

Overview

SOHO Connect maintains a zero-tolerance policy toward child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) in all forms, including content creation, sharing, solicitation, grooming, or any behavior that puts minors at risk. These standards reflect our legal, ethical, and moral responsibility to ensure the platform is a safe space for all users.

1. Platform Policy Commitments

• Zero Tolerance: CSAE content or behavior will result in immediate removal and permanent account bans.

• Reporting Obligations: We report all confirmed CSAE content to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) and relevant law enforcement agencies.

• Age Verification: We implement strict 18+ age-gating for all user accounts and reserve the right to request ID verification.

2. Detection and Monitoring

• AI & Human Moderation: Use of automated tools (e.g., hash-matching, keyword detection) alongside trained human moderators to proactively detect CSAE material.

• CSAM Hash Databases: Integration with trusted CSAE detection databases such as PhotoDNA and Project Arachnid to identify known illegal content.

• Behavioral Flagging: Algorithms detect suspicious behavior patterns (e.g., grooming language, frequent outreach to young users) and escalate for human review.

3. User Protections

• Reporting Tools: All users can easily report abusive content or behavior within the app.

• Anonymous Review: All CSAE reports are reviewed confidentially and thoroughly by a dedicated safety team.

• Support Resources: Victims and affected users will be provided with links to counseling resources and law enforcement contact information.

4. Staff Training & Response

• Mandatory CSAE Training: All content moderators and trust & safety team members undergo recurring CSAE awareness and response training.

• Escalation Protocols: Internal escalation guidelines ensure timely review, evidence preservation, and legal coordination.

• Documentation: All incidents and response actions are logged and secured in accordance with legal requirements.

5. Legal Compliance

• Global Standards: We comply with U.S. law (18 U.S.C. §2258A), EU regulations, and local laws concerning child protection and digital platforms.

• Data Sharing with Authorities: SOHO cooperates fully with verified law enforcement investigations.

• Retention of Evidence: When required, content and account metadata will be retained securely for law enforcement use.

6. Community Design Considerations

• Private Spaces, Not Hidden Spaces: While users have control over their virtual apartments, CSAE detection applies equally to public and private areas.

• Proactive Safeguards: Prohibition of child avatars, age misrepresentation, or virtual content depicting or simulating CSAE.

• No Anonymity for Abusers: Users violating CSAE policies are permanently banned and may be reported to authorities, with logs preserved as evidence.

Contact for Reporting or Questions

If you encounter any form of CSAE-related content or conduct on SOHO Connect, report it immediately via the in-app tool or contact our Trust & Safety Team at: MAnderson@lifeinsoho.com