Tech giants back free online safety tools to combat child sexual abuse

In early February 2025, an initiative called Robust Open Online Safety Tools (Roost) was launched to provide free online safety mechanisms aimed at preventing child sexual abuse. Companies such as Google, OpenAI, and Roblox joined forces in this effort, which was introduced during the AI Action Summit held in Paris. The need for such tools is critical, particularly for smaller companies and non-profit organizations that often lack the resources to develop their own safety technologies. The program facilitates access to advanced technology that aids in the detection, review, and reporting of child sexual abuse material on online platforms. Eric Schmidt, the former Google chief executive, emphasized the importance of innovation in online child safety and the role of this open-source collaborative approach. He stated that it would accelerate innovation by granting smaller entities access to tools they typically lack. The summit featured notable attendees, including prominent leaders and tech figures, which underscored the global commitment to advancing the field of AI in various sectors, particularly regarding safety. French President Emmanuel Macron, who hosted the event, highlighted that companies were planning to invest significantly in AI-related projects throughout France. The discussions focused on how technologies can be harnessed to create a safer digital environment for children. The initiative is seen as a response to rising concerns over online child safety, as not all companies have the means to implement adequate safety protocols. By providing these resources, the project aims to foster a safer online environment and build a framework for overseeing content that threatens children. Organizations and tech firms are expected to collaborate on solutions that use artificial intelligence to enhance safety measures effectively.