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 

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, and the General Police Inspectorate, is launching the national campaign “Let’s Use Artificial Intelligence (AI) Safely!”, dedicated to Safer Internet Day 2026. The campaign will be carried out nationwide during February–March 2026 and aims to increase awareness and understanding 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 launch event will take place on February 6, 2026, at the Government building, through a press conference presenting the authorities’ priorities, the campaign objectives, and the planned activities. At the same time, the photo exhibition “Parents & Children in the Digital Age” will be inaugurated, highlighting intergenerational relationships in an increasingly connected world. Through powerful imagery, the exhibition explores how technology influences communication, education, play, and the boundaries between online and offline life. The exhibition will subsequently travel to several localities across the country. Present at the event, Natalia Plugaru, Minister of Labour and Social Protection, stated: “Protecting children in the digital environment is a priority for the Government and a shared responsibility of families, schools, and public institutions. In the context of the rapid development of artificial intelligence, it is essential to provide children not only with access to technology, but also with the skills to use it safely and responsibly. Through this campaign, we aim to strengthen prevention efforts, support parents and professionals working with children, and build a safer digital environment where the rights and well-being of every child are protected.” Valentina Olaru, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education and Research, emphasized that for the education system, artificial intelligence is not a topic of the future, but a present-day reality in schools. Children are already using it for learning, creativity, and communication, and this reality must be pedagogically harnessed. “Our priority is for schools to provide clear guidance: how to use artificial intelligence safely, but also as a tool to support learning, without replacing students’ critical thinking, autonomy, and responsibility. The Ministry of Education and Research will continue to develop policies, resources, and training to help students and teachers use and integrate these technologies in a balanced and educational manner. Today’s event seeks to strengthen awareness among all beneficiaries of the education system regarding the need for children to use artificial intelligence safely, ethically, and responsibly.” “In 2026, vulnerability no longer means lack of internet access, but using it to cause harm. With 40% of child abuse cases involving AI-generated content, the impact is real even when the images are synthetic. Our response must outpace the threat through education, clear standards, and intervention. Online safety is not optional; it is public infrastructure” said Michelle Iliev, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization. “Today we are launching the national campaign ‘Let’s Use AI Safely’ to underline the Police’s commitment to protecting the digital safety of all citizens, especially young people, in all spaces, including the online environment. Artificial intelligence technologies offer enormous opportunities, but they can also create risks if not used responsibly. On Safer Internet Day, we call on everyone — children, parents, teachers, and the wider community — to understand these technologies, remain vigilant, and use digital tools safely. We stand alongside our partners — public authorities, educational communities, and civil society — to promote good practices, prevent abuse, and create a safe online environment for children, young people, and adults. Together, we can turn artificial intelligence into a useful, responsible, and safe tool for all. Together, we can have an open, useful, and above all safe internet for everyone” stated Alexandru Lupan, Deputy Head of the General Police Inspectorate. The Executive Director of the International Center “La Strada,” Elena Botezatu, declared that children’s online safety is a shared responsibility, and the data recorded confirms the need for firm and coordinated action. “At the national level, in 2025, the SigurOnline Hotline registered 147 reports concerning online child sexual abuse materials, of which 37% were generated with the help of artificial intelligence. These figures reflect not only the scale of a growing phenomenon, but also the urgency of strengthening prevention, education, and intervention efforts. Through the campaign ‘Let’s Use AI Safely,’ we aim to support parents, teachers, and children in understanding the risks associated with emerging technologies and to promote a culture of responsibility and protection in the digital space” emphasized Elena Botezatu. Through this campaign, the organizers aim to support the educational environment with resources on the safe use of artificial intelligence; increase parents’ and caregivers’ awareness of online risks, including deepfakes and privacy violations; promote the responsible and ethical use of AI by children and adolescents; and enhance the visibility of support and reporting mechanisms, such as the Child Helpline – 116 111 and the platform www.siguronline.md. The campaign agenda includes public events for parents and children, a video spot for parents, informative activities in educational institutions nationwide, educational programs dedicated to the responsible use of technologies, national student competitions, and an extensive media awareness campaign. Data from an international study conducted by the organization Thorn show that one in ten children knows someone who has used artificial intelligence tools to generate nude images of other children. The consequences of this phenomenon are severe: although the materials are fake, the trauma experienced by victims is real. Affected children face deep emotional harm, including anxiety, social isolation, harassment, and long-term reputational damage. These trends represent a challenge for educational institutions, which must adapt policies and educational programs to keep pace with the rapid evolution of technology. The results of a survey conducted among teachers nationwide indicate that 88% of participating children use artificial intelligence, and 61% use AI daily or several times per week. Additionally, one in three children uses AI to create images or videos; every second child uses AI to complete homework assignments; and one in four children uses AI to discuss personal matters. These topics include health-related questions, relationships with parents, intimate subjects, or seeking advice during moments of sadness or depressive states. 81% of children who used AI stated that the responses they received were helpful. We recall that each year, on the second Tuesday of February, Safer Internet Day (SID) is marked globally under the theme “Together for a Better Internet.” Since 2017, the International Center “La Strada” has represented the SID Committee in Moldova and annually coordinates, in partnership with relevant authorities, activities aimed at informing and raising awareness about various aspects of children’s online safety. Moreover, since 2020, the International Center “La Strada” has become a member association of the European Safer Internet Centre+ program. Funded by the European Commission, the program brings together organizations with similar missions to promote child protection online through awareness-raising and information activities, support services for children and parents regarding online risks, child participation initiatives, and hotline services for reporting child sexual abuse materials. In the Republic of Moldova, all these services are provided through the platform www.siguronline.md, which since April 2023 has integrated an option for reporting child sexual abuse materials, internationally accredited by the global INHOPE network. The campaign “Let’s Use AI Safely” is organized by the International Center “La Strada” in coordination with the Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization, and the General Police Inspectorate, with the support of the Global Partnership to End Violence Against Children Fund – Safe Online. The media partner of the campaign is the platform www.suntparinte.md. For further information, please contact: International Center “La Strada” Phone: +373 79 454 344, Elena Căpățînă, Communications Officer E-mail: comunicare@lastrada.md Web: www.lastrada.md