Praxis engages companies to combat exploitation of children online

Praxis Mutual Funds^® has participated in recent dialogues with AT&T and Verizon on the topic of child exploitation, including child sexual abuse material. Praxis has also joined an investor letter to Apple, following up on past communications on this subject and requesting additional dialogue.

Unfortunately, child sexual abuse material has spread across digital airwaves via easily accessible modern communication media. Mobile providers and media platforms – with millions of customers and powerful tools at their disposal – have a role to play in protecting children with their ability to detect and reduce these materials.

The engagements Praxis participates in with telecommunication companies focus on several key topics:

• Measures companies can take with their own products and services to protect children, and concrete metrics on child sexual abuse material that companies can report to shareholders and stakeholders.
• Partnerships with law enforcement, nonprofit organizations, and industry peers to identify child sexual abuse material and refer individuals to authorities.
• Government legislation pertaining to child exploitation. 

  

Praxis has engaged with AT&T and Verizon for over three years on this issue, while communication began more recently with Apple. Each company is working to address it in various ways. Praxis will continue engaging with companies on the subject.

AT&T and Verizon are held in the Praxis Value Index Fund, while Apple is held in the Praxis Growth Index Fund. All three companies are held in the Praxis Impact Bond Fund.