International Center “La Strada,” together with other representatives of European Safer Internet Centres, including specialists from reporting services (hotlines) and counselling services (helplines), online safety experts, and numerous decision-makers, is participating from 14 to 16 April in the annual joint training meeting of the Insafe and INHOPE networks, held this year in Jūrmala, Latvia. In the context of rapidly evolving technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), the event aims to strengthen cooperation among members of the two international networks specializing in children’s online safety. This is pursued through a joint assessment and analysis of the most recent challenges faced in this field, as well as the identification of the most effective ways in which Safer Internet Centres (SICs) can respond to these risks in order to better protect children and young people in the digital environment. How do emerging AI-based technologies influence the online safety of children, adolescents, and young people, and what risks are associated with the use of chatbots as virtual companions—particularly in the context of the growing generation of illegal content such as child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or so-called “deepnude” images? What innovative methods can be used to enhance the digital empowerment of Generations Z and Alpha, what role can gamification play in this process, how can research findings from helplines, hotlines, and empowerment centres be leveraged to improve interventions in the field, and how can international cooperation be strengthened through the exchange of best practices within the network? These are just some of the key topics addressed during this year’s Insafe–INHOPE joint meeting. Within the framework of the event, the first day (14 April) was primarily dedicated to hotline services. The International Center “La Strada,” as a full member of the network, took part in an important decision-making process regarding the accession of two new countries to the INHOPE network. On the same day, the organization’s team also participated in a series of thematic training workshops on children’s online safety, as well as in valuable networking sessions. The meeting continued on the second and third days with an in-depth exploration of the topics introduced at the outset of the event, through a programme of practical workshops designed to foster dialogue and collaboration among professionals in the field. These activities focused on presenting national initiatives and facilitating the exchange of experience, contributing to the development of joint strategies for combating online risks and enabling learning from best practices implemented in other countries. The participation of the International Center “La Strada” team in this event was made possible thanks to the support of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children Fund – Safe Online. We also recall that, since 2022, the International Center “La Strada” has held the status of a specialized Safer Internet Centre, being part of the European “Better Internet for Kids+” network, coordinated by the European Commission.

The progress made in developing an effective national mechanism for preventing and combating the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children was reviewed during the second meeting of the members of the Coordination Committee of the project “National Center for Online Child Safety in the Republic of Moldova – ensuring a structured and coordinated framework for responding to the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children.” The event, organized by the International Center “La Strada,” brought together representatives of the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, as well as the General Police Inspectorate, along with experts and partners involved in child protection. Discussions focused on analyzing both achievements and existing challenges, emphasizing the need to strengthen interinstitutional cooperation. Cristina Deliu, Program Director at the International Center “La Strada,” highlighted the existence of an effective partnership ensuring the proper functioning of the Digital Safety Center in the Republic of Moldova. “Throughout 2025, the Digital Safety Center strengthened partnerships at both national and international levels. The main areas of implementation focused on providing support to children through existing services, building the capacity of specialists, and developing and implementing prevention programs. As a result, 47 children benefited from direct legal assistance, 89 children received psychological support, and 54 parents and caregivers received counseling and support,” stated the Program Director. At the same time, the National Service for Reporting Online Child Sexual Abuse Material recorded 11,843 reports in 2025, and over 8,000 materials were removed. A total of 21 cases of online sexual abuse were reported via www.siguronline.md. A total of 250 specialists from multidisciplinary teams, 79 prosecutors and judges, 101 investigation and criminal prosecution officers, as well as 5,178 teachers and representatives of Education Departments strengthened their professional capacities in the field of preventing online sexual abuse of children. Angela Prisăcaru, Deputy Head of Division at the Ministry of Education and Research, appreciated the sustainable collaboration with the International Center “La Strada” in educating students, teachers, and parents, and highlighted the relevance of the online safety topics addressed within this partnership. Ina Scaticailov, Chief Consultant at the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, stated that the collaboration process with “La Strada” is effective and should be continued through further training of personnel in the field of child and family social protection. She also welcomed the connection with the “Child Helpline” service. Andrei Cușca, Head of Division at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, appreciated the high-level organization of the study visit to Ireland, which provided an opportunity to adopt best practices in drafting the digital services law, currently at the finalization stage. Tatiana Vasiucov, representative of the Cybercrime Combating Center within the General Police Inspectorate, expressed gratitude for the collaboration and support, and reiterated the institution’s openness to continued joint activities. Members of the Project Coordination Committee also reviewed the strategic directions and the action plan for 2026, contributing suggestions and recommendations to improve future interventions. The project “National Center for Online Child Safety in the Republic of Moldova – ensuring a structured and coordinated framework for responding to the online sexual abuse and exploitation of children” is implemented in collaboration with stakeholders at both international and national levels responsible for protecting children online. At the international level, the “La Strada” Center continues its collaboration with INHOPE, the BIK+ platform, will initiate communication with European Schoolnet, and will refer to the resources and tools developed by the WeProtect Global Alliance as a reference framework for guiding the national response. These partnerships will advance the implementation of all planned activities, serving as platforms for learning and the exchange of best practices. At the national level, the “La Strada” Center continues its collaboration with public authorities, academia, civil society organizations, Youth Councils, international organizations, and others. Through its implementation, the project aims to develop a coordinated and efficient system for responding to cases of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, thereby contributing to the protection of every child in the Republic of Moldova. The initiative is supported by the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children Fund – Safe Online and is implemented with the active involvement of national authorities and development partners. It is worth noting that since 2020, the International Center “La Strada” has become a member organization of the European Safer Internet Centre programme (Safer Internet Centre plus). Funded by the European Commission, the programme brings together organizations with similar missions to promote the protection of children online through awareness-raising and information activities, the management of support services for children and parents regarding online risks, child participation, as well as hotline services for reporting child sexual abuse material. All these services in the Republic of Moldova are provided through the platform www.siguronline.md, which, since April 2023, also integrates the option to report child sexual abuse material, internationally accredited by the global INHOPE network.

The International Center La Strada, in partnership with the Moldcell Foundation and in coordination with the Ministry of Education and Research of the Republic of Moldova, the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Republic of Moldova, the General Police Inspectorate of the Republic of Moldova, and local public authorities, is launching for the first time the National Information Program for Parents and Caregivers, “Online Safe Zone”. The program is dedicated to parents and caregivers in the Republic of Moldova and aims to support them in understanding and managing the impact of digital technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) on children and adolescents. “Online Safe Zone” seeks to inform parents and caregivers about the responsible and safe use of artificial intelligence, explain hidden risks associated with emerging technologies, develop communication skills for discussing online safety with children, and provide educational resources and practical tools to support children in the digital environment. As part of the program, informational sessions and interactive discussions will be held in more than 200 educational institutions across the country, facilitated by campaign partners and Online Safety Ambassadors nationwide. Cristina Deliu, Director of the Children’s Program at the International Center La Strada, notes that technology should remain a tool that supports children’s development, not a substitute for real-life relationships. Through the “Online Safe Zone” program, the aim is to strengthen the role of parents in their children’s digital experiences. Irina Strajescu, Executive Director of the Moldcell Foundation, emphasizes that digital safety is one of the Foundation’s core priorities and that support for parents stems from a real need observed in the community: “We increasingly see how present artificial intelligence is in children’s lives — in their homework, applications, and daily conversations. For many parents, the pace of technology can create confusion or even concern. Through the national “Online Safe Zone” program, we aim to provide clarity and confidence. We want to help parents understand their role in guiding children in the digital environment, how to safely use AI-based tools, and how to openly discuss with children what responsible and legal use of technology means. We offer simple explanations, practical solutions, and resources that can be applied in everyday life. Because digital safety begins at home — through dialogue, balance, and involvement.” The official launch event took place on February 25, 2026, in the municipality of Hîncești and brought together parents and caregivers from several local educational institutions. The initiative is part of the national campaign “Let’s Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safely!”, dedicated to Safer Internet Day 2026 and launched earlier this February by the International Center La Strada in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization of the Republic of Moldova, and the General Police Inspectorate. The campaign runs nationwide from February to March 2026 and aims to increase awareness of emerging online risks, particularly those associated with the use of artificial intelligence, as well as to promote open dialogue between parents and children about digital safety. The results of a survey conducted by teachers nationwide indicate that 88% of participating children use artificial intelligence, while 61% use AI daily or several times a week. At the same time, one in three children use AI to create images or videos, every second child uses AI to complete homework, and one in four children use AI to discuss personal topics. These topics include questions related to health, relationships with parents, intimate subjects, or seeking advice during moments of sadness or depressive states. Additionally, 81% of children who have used AI reported that the responses they received were helpful. For further information: Elena Căpățînă, Communications Officer International Center ”La Strada” (Moldova) E-mail: comunicare@lastrada.md Phone: +373 79 454 344 www.lastrada.md

Today, on Safer Internet Day, the International Center La Strada joins more than 100 signatory organizations, institutions, and individual supporters worldwide in calling for urgent action against nudification tools — technologies designed to create non-consensual nude and abusive images, disproportionately targeting children and women. These tools fuel sexual exploitation, blackmail, and harm, yet remain widely accessible without consequences. Together with Child Helpline International, INHOPE, Internet Watch Foundation, National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, Offlimits, Safe Online, and WeProtect Global Alliance, we call for: Global recognition of the irreversible harm caused by these tools. Holding technology companies accountable for implementing built-in “safety-by-design” protections. The legal prohibition of the development, distribution, and use of nudification applications and features. The full joint statement and recommendations from the signatory organizations are available here: https://yurl.lastrada.md/nxj9x