1. Our Commitment to Child Safety
HigherCall takes the safety of children seriously and is unequivocally opposed to child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) in all forms. As a Christian ministry platform, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity, protection, and care for all members of our community, especially the most vulnerable.
We are committed to:
- Zero Tolerance: Maintaining absolute zero tolerance for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE) on our platform
- Proactive Prevention: Implementing advanced AI-powered content moderation (Watchman AI) to prevent harmful content before it reaches our community
- Swift Action: Taking immediate action when CSAM or CSAE is identified
- Legal Compliance: Fully complying with all applicable child safety laws and regulations, including mandatory reporting requirements
- Continuous Improvement: Regularly reviewing and enhancing our child safety measures and practices
"But whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a great millstone fastened around his neck and to be drowned in the depth of the sea." - Matthew 18:6
2. Definitions
Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (CSAE)
CSAE refers to child sexual abuse and exploitation, including content or behavior that sexually exploits, abuses, or endangers children. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Grooming a child for sexual exploitation
- Sextorting a child
- Trafficking of a child for sex
- Any other conduct that sexually exploits a child
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
CSAM consists of any visual depiction, including but not limited to photos, videos, and computer-generated imagery, involving the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The creation, distribution, and possession of CSAM is illegal and strictly prohibited on HigherCall.
3. Content Moderation and Prevention
Watchman AI Content Filtering
HigherCall employs a sophisticated AI-powered content moderation system called "Watchman AI" that:
- Analyzes all user-submitted content before publication
- Detects and blocks potentially harmful, sexually explicit, or inappropriate content
- Flags content that may violate child safety standards for immediate human review
- Continuously learns and improves detection capabilities
- Assigns trust scores to users based on their content submission history
Multi-Layer Safety Approach
Our content moderation includes:
- Pre-Upload Screening: Content is analyzed before it reaches our platform
- Automated Detection: AI-powered systems identify potentially harmful content
- Human Review: Trained moderators review flagged content
- User Reports: Community members can report concerning content
- Continuous Monitoring: Ongoing surveillance of platform activity
Age Verification and Restrictions
To protect children:
- Users must be 13 years or older to create an account
- Age-appropriate content filters are applied
- Enhanced protections for younger users
- Parental guidance features for teen accounts
4. Reporting and Response Mechanisms
In-App Reporting
HigherCall provides multiple in-app mechanisms for users to report concerning content or behavior:
- Report Button: Every piece of content has a "Report" option accessible from the content menu
- User Profile Reporting: Users can report concerning user profiles or behavior
- Direct Support Contact: In-app messaging to our support team at [email protected]
- Emergency Reporting: Priority reporting channel for urgent child safety concerns
How to Report CSAM or CSAE
If you encounter suspected CSAM or CSAE on HigherCall:
- Immediate Action: Tap the "Report" button on the content or user profile
- Select Category: Choose "Child Safety Concern" or "Inappropriate Content" from the reporting options
- Provide Details: Include any relevant context that can help our team investigate
- Urgent Matters: For immediate threats to child safety, email [email protected]
You can also report directly to:
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC): CyberTipline.org
- Local Law Enforcement: Contact your local police department immediately
- FBI: IC3.gov (Internet Crime Complaint Center)
Our Response Process
When CSAM or CSAE is reported or detected, we:
- Immediate Removal: Content is removed immediately upon identification
- Account Suspension: User accounts involved are immediately suspended pending investigation
- Law Enforcement Notification: We report CSAM to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) as required by law
- Preservation of Evidence: All relevant evidence is preserved for law enforcement
- Permanent Ban: Users who violate child safety policies are permanently banned from the platform
- IP and Device Blocking: Technical measures to prevent repeat offenders from returning
Response Timeframes
- CSAM/CSAE Reports: Reviewed within 1 hour, action taken immediately
- General Safety Reports: Reviewed within 24 hours
- User Notifications: Reporters receive confirmation that action has been taken (while protecting investigation details)
5. Legal Compliance and Cooperation
Mandatory Reporting
HigherCall complies with all applicable federal, state, and international laws regarding child safety, including:
- Filing reports with the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) via CyberTipline when we obtain knowledge of apparent CSAM
- Preserving evidence and records as required by law
- Cooperating fully with law enforcement investigations
- Providing expedited responses to valid legal requests concerning child safety
International Compliance
We comply with child safety regulations globally, including but not limited to:
- U.S. Federal laws (18 U.S.C. § 2258A)
- European Union regulations
- International standards and best practices
- Regional child protection laws where our users are located
Law Enforcement Cooperation
HigherCall maintains a dedicated process for law enforcement requests:
- 24/7 emergency contact for urgent child safety matters
- Expedited response to valid legal process
- Preservation of evidence upon request
- Cooperation with international law enforcement agencies
6. User Education and Community Guidelines
HigherCall is committed to educating our community about child safety:
- Community Guidelines: Clear standards for acceptable content and behavior (see Terms of Service)
- Safety Resources: In-app resources about recognizing and reporting concerning behavior
- Parental Guidance: Resources for parents and guardians to help protect children online
- Warning Messages: Users who attempt to upload inappropriate content receive warnings and education about policies
- Christian Stewardship: Teaching our community about protecting the vulnerable as part of Christian calling
Prohibited Content and Behavior
The following are strictly prohibited on HigherCall and will result in immediate account termination:
- Any form of child sexual abuse material (CSAM)
- Grooming, solicitation, or exploitation of minors
- Sexualization of minors in any form
- Content that facilitates or encourages child sexual exploitation
- Inappropriate communication with minors
- Attempts to arrange meetings with minors for inappropriate purposes
- Sharing or requesting personal information from minors
7. Technology and Innovation
Watchman AI Technology
Our proprietary Watchman AI system uses advanced artificial intelligence to:
- Detect potentially harmful content before it's published
- Identify patterns of concerning behavior
- Flag content for human review based on risk assessment
- Learn and adapt to new threats and tactics
- Maintain platform safety without compromising user privacy
Continuous Improvement
We regularly:
- Update our detection algorithms based on emerging threats
- Partner with child safety organizations to improve our practices
- Conduct regular security audits and assessments
- Train our moderation team on the latest child safety best practices
- Invest in research and development for better protection technologies
8. Accountability and Transparency
Regular Reporting
HigherCall is committed to transparency about our child safety efforts:
- Annual transparency reports on content moderation and child safety actions
- Regular updates to these Child Safety Standards
- Participation in industry initiatives and collaborations
- Third-party audits of our child safety practices
Industry Partnerships
We collaborate with leading child safety organizations, including:
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)
- Technology Coalition
- Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
- WePROTECT Global Alliance
- Christian organizations focused on child protection
9. Child Safety Contact Information
Dedicated Child Safety Team
HigherCall maintains a dedicated child safety team available to:
- Respond to child safety reports and concerns
- Coordinate with law enforcement
- Implement and improve safety measures
- Provide guidance on child safety matters
Contact Information
Child Safety Point of Contact:
External Resources
If you or someone you know needs help:
- National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)
- CyberTipline: CyberTipline.org
- FBI Tip Line: 1-800-CALL-FBI (1-800-225-5324)
- Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
10. Updates to These Standards
We regularly review and update our Child Safety Standards to reflect:
- Changes in applicable laws and regulations
- Emerging threats and new protection technologies
- Best practices from industry and child safety experts
- Feedback from our community and partners
Material changes to these standards will be communicated through the app and on this page. The "Last updated" date at the top of this page indicates when changes were made.
11. Our Christian Foundation
As a Christian ministry, our commitment to child safety is rooted in biblical principles of protection, justice, and love. We believe that protecting children from harm is not just a legal obligation but a sacred responsibility.
Jesus demonstrated special care for children, and we strive to follow His example in creating a safe, nurturing environment where all members of our community—especially the most vulnerable—are protected and valued.
"Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." - Matthew 19:14
Our child safety measures are an expression of our Christian values of:
- Protection: Safeguarding the vulnerable
- Justice: Taking swift action against those who would harm children
- Love: Creating a safe space for all to grow in faith
- Integrity: Maintaining the highest standards of conduct
- Accountability: Being transparent and responsible in our stewardship
We invite our entire community to join us in this commitment to child safety, knowing that protecting children honors God and serves the Body of Christ.
12. Additional Resources
For Users
For Parents and Guardians
Resources to help you protect children online:
For Educators and Ministry Leaders
- Ministry Safe: Child safety training for churches
- Darkness to Light: Child sexual abuse prevention education
- Protecting God's Children: Awareness training programs
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