Praxis combats online sex trafficking

Shareholder advocacy |

Joins investor letter to AT&T

Praxis Mutual Funds® joined other shareholders in a letter to AT&T, a leading communications and telecom services company, asking for details on how it is combating online child sexual exploitation.

The investors sought information on performance and response to combating various types of prevalent child sex abuse, from offenders grooming children for abuse, to sexual extortion, to the buying and storing of child sex imagery. The investors specifically wanted to know how AT&T and its subsidiaries are working internally, and with governments, law enforcement, and civil society groups, to confront such exploitation.

AT&T responded to the letter, describing a number actions it is taking, such as making investments with in anti-trafficking groups at the local level. Although the response was helpful, Praxis and the other shareholders felt that more information could have been provided and plan to pursue further conversation with the company.

Praxis is also planning to engage other telecom companies on this topic. Curbing the sexual exploitation of children is an issue with strong bipartisan support, both among customers and politicians. For telecom companies, sexual exploitation of minors might intersect with many of their platforms, products and services, and pose substantial financial and reputational risk.

Chris Meyer, Stewardship Investing Research and Advocacy Manager | Praxis Mutual Funds

Author

Chris Meyer
Manager of Stewardship Investing Research and Advocacy

Shareholder Advocacy

At Praxis, our investments generate a competitive financial return and deliver a clear and direct benefit to people and our planet. We believe it is our responsibility to encourage companies toward responsible business behavior.

 

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Disclosure

As of Jan. 31, 2019, the Praxis Growth Index Fund has invested 0.09 percent of its assets in AT&T; the Praxis Value Index Fund has invested 2.01 percent of its assets in AT&T; and the Praxis Impact Bond Fund has invested 0.38 percent of its assets in AT&T. Fund holdings are subject to change. To obtain holdings as of the most previous quarter, visit praxismutualfunds.com.