Thorn (organization)

Thorn, formerly known as the Thorn: Digital Defenders of Children, is a non-profit organization dedicated to building technology to defend children from sexual abuse. It develops and provides tools to law enforcement, technology companies, and other organizations to combat child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online and offline.

Thorn's core mission is to eliminate child sexual exploitation and abuse, focusing on prevention, detection, and response. The organization leverages technology to identify victims, track abusers, and disrupt trafficking networks. Its efforts include building and distributing open-source software, conducting research, and providing training and resources.

One of Thorn's primary activities is developing technologies that help law enforcement and tech companies identify and remove CSAM. This includes tools for image and video analysis, data mining, and network analysis to uncover patterns and identify potential victims and perpetrators. Thorn also works on initiatives to prevent the creation and distribution of CSAM by disrupting the supply chain and educating the public about the issue.

Thorn collaborates with a wide range of partners, including law enforcement agencies, technology companies, academic institutions, and other non-profit organizations. These partnerships are critical to scaling its impact and reaching a wider audience. Thorn actively participates in industry forums and conferences to share its knowledge and expertise, and to advocate for stronger laws and policies to protect children.

Founded by Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, Thorn is funded through philanthropic donations, grants, and corporate sponsorships. The organization is headquartered in the United States and operates globally, providing its tools and resources to organizations around the world.