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Landmark lawsuit brought on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse images and videos (CSAM) traded on Apple platforms CUPERTINO, Calif. , Dec. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- This weekend, a class action lawsuit was filed against Apple on behalf of thousands of survivors of child sexual abuse for knowingly allowing the storage of images and videos documenting their abuse on iCloud and the company's defectively designed products. The lawsuit alleges that Apple has known about this content for years, but has refused to act to detect or remove it, despite developing advanced technology to do so. The plaintiffs are being represented by Marsh Law Firm. Additionally, Heat Initiative is providing some support for this lawsuit as part of the organization's broader Ignite program , which provides legal and advocacy support for victims of child sexual abuse through referrals, research, and funding to empower them to use their voices and hold technology companies accountable. The images and videos of the plaintiffs' childhood sexual abuse, which have been stored thousands of times, would have been identified and removed had Apple implemented its 2021 "CSAM Detection" technology. However, Apple terminated the program after its announcement. Other leading technology providers have been proactively detecting and reporting illegal child sex abuse images and videos for more than a decade. Apple's belated efforts, and subsequent cancellation, leave it among the very few major platforms that do not engage in proactive detection and removal. The full complaint, as well as a fact sheet and other supporting materials, can be found HERE . "The knowledge that images of my abuse are still out there is a never-ending nightmare – Apple could have stopped this, but has chosen not to act," said Jane Doe , a plaintiff in the lawsuit. "Apple has the technology to stop this from continuing, yet they knowingly turn a blind eye. This isn't just about my story – it's about standing up for every survivor who deserves safety and dignity. Apple has a responsibility to protect us, and I'm here to demand that they fulfill it." "Today, thousands of brave survivors are coming forward to demand accountability from one of the most successful technology companies on the planet. Apple has not only rejected helping these victims, it has advertised the fact that it does not detect child sex abuse material on its platform or devices thereby exponentially increasing the ongoing harm caused to these victims," said Margaret E. Mabie , Partner at Marsh Law Firm, representing the plaintiffs. "Our clients have endured unimaginable abuse, and yet Apple's top executives continue to ignore their pleas, fully aware that this illegal contraband remains on their platform. By abandoning their state-of-the-art detection program without offering an alternative, Apple has chosen to prioritize its own corporate agenda over the lives and dignity of survivors. This lawsuit is a call for justice and a demand for Apple to finally take responsibility and protect these victims." "Apple wants people to think they are the 'responsible' tech company, and this lawsuit demonstrates clearly that, on this issue, they are not," said Sarah Gardner , Founder and CEO of the Heat Initiative, an organization dedicated to encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sex abuse on their platforms. "The plaintiffs and countless other survivors of child sexual abuse are forced to relive the worst moments imaginable because Apple refuses to implement common sense practices that are standard across the tech industry. They will argue that this is a privacy issue, but they are failing to acknowledge the privacy and basic humanity of the children being raped and sexually assaulted in the videos and images Apple stores on iCloud." In August 2021 , Apple announced it would implement a new "CSAM Detection" feature, which would have identified known child sexual abuse material in iCloud using NeuralHash, a type of hashing technology that Apple developed. However, after the program was announced, Apple executives reversed their decision and ultimately killed the implementation of the program . At the same time, in 2023, five major tech companies collectively reported more than 32 million pieces of child sexual abuse images and videos on their platforms– Apple reported only 267 . The lawsuit is seeking injunctive relief for Apple to implement basic child safety measures on behalf of the plaintiffs. The claim of negligence and failing to fulfill their duty of care resulting in harms to the plaintiffs stems from two main factors: Marsh Law Firm focuses its legal practice exclusively on representing survivors of sexual abuse and online exploitation. They are a survivor-focused, trauma-informed, and justice-oriented law firm that advocates for clients both in and out of the courtroom to secure justice and hold perpetrators and the institutions that enable abuse accountable. Heat Initiative is a collective effort of concerned child safety experts and advocates encouraging leading technology companies to combat child sexual abuse on their platforms. Heat Initiative sees a future where children's safety is at the forefront of any existing and future technological developments. The Heat Initiative's Ignite program catalyzes impact litigation to hold technology companies accountable to their duty to prevent and address the sexual exploitation of children on their platforms. Contact: press@heatinitiative.org View original content: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/apple-sued-for-knowingly-hosting-child-sexual-abuse-material-on-its-products-failing-to-protect-survivors-302325571.html SOURCE Heat Initiative
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WASHINGTON , Nov. 21, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, Future Caucus held its seventh annual awards at the Arlo Washington DC, in recognition of lawmakers and activists who embody the organization's mission to transcend toxic polarization. The award honors Gen Z and millennial leaders actively advancing bipartisan policies that address critical issues facing Americans. "The young leaders we honor tonight are not only persevering through systemic and personal obstacles, but excelling," said Future Caucus president and CEO Layla Zaidane . "They're showing us what's possible when the work of governing is rooted in empathy and collaboration rather than division, and how good, inclusive policy also turns out to be pretty good politics." The 2024 Rising Star Award was presented to two lawmakers: State Asm. Alex Bores (D-NY-73) and State Rep. Tory Blew (R-KS-112) , now Sen.-elect for the state's 33rd Senate District. Both serve as co-chairs of their respective State Future Caucus . "I'm honored to receive this award for work that prioritizes delivering results for New Yorkers," said Bores. "Creating a more effective, responsive state government requires everyone, and I'm proud of what we have achieved together to modernize New York's services and protect our democracy." "It's an honor to receive this recognition for bipartisan work that has been my focus from day one," said Blew. "At its core, this role is about listening and finding common ground that serves Kansans across the board, especially the young people who will define our future. I'm grateful to Future Caucus for championing this collaborative vision." Future Caucus presented the Cherisse Eatmon Collective Impact Award to Pennsylvania Future Caucus co-chairs State Rep. Justin Fleming (D-PA-105) and State Rep. Thomas Kutz (R-PA-87) . " Pennsylvania's young people and families are facing challenges that demand bipartisan solutions," said Fleming. "This award is a testament to the work we've done as a caucus and as colleagues, to bring together a diverse set of voices and put real, impactful legislation into action for our communities." "Pennsylvanians are facing challenges that require common sense solutions," said Kutz, who accepted the award in absentia. "Pragmatic legislators must come together to address rising inflation, the cost of housing and child care, and the rising costs of higher education. I'm honored to work alongside colleagues in Harrisburg who are equally committed to addressing these issues. This award is a testament to the bipartisan work we have taken on this session, and I'm eager to continue that work in the upcoming legislative session." The organization also presented its Generational Changemaker Award to activist and actor Sophia Bush , for her efforts to promote voter education and civic engagement, and to businesswoman and socialite Paris Hilton , for her commitment to criminal justice reform and accountability for youth residential facilities. "What makes this gathering so significant—and what makes the work of Future Caucus so vital—is the understanding that democracy is bigger than any one candidate, or the outcome of any single election," said Bush. "It's a commitment that, if honored and fought for, transcends wins and losses, uniting us around the shared responsibility to protect and strengthen our democratic institutions. And that is a commitment I believe in." "I'm accepting this award as a survivor and advocate, and more importantly, as a voice for every child suffering in silence. I've turned my pain into purpose by fighting for policy change, from passing 10 state laws to introducing the federal bipartisan Stop Institutional Child Abuse Act and testifying on behalf of foster youth in Congress," said Hilton, who accepted the award by video. "I'm so proud to stand with all the amazing lawmakers in this community who are dedicated to changing the world. I'm confident that together, we'll make groundbreaking progress in creating a world where everyone is supported, protected, and empowered." Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE) gave the evening's keynote address . As a Delaware state senator, McBride was founding co-chair of the Delaware Future Caucus. "The promise of our Constitution is only possible when we respect our differences and solve our disagreements through conversation and collaboration," said McBride. "We know that the divisions and nastiness that we too often see nationally must not—and does not have to—be our new normal. A different kind of politics is possible: a politics of hope, not of hate; of grace, not of grievance; and of progress, not of pettiness. That is our charge as the next generation of Future Caucus leaders." Future Caucus is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that empowers young elected officials in Congress and state legislatures to bridge the partisan divide. By supporting innovative policymaking and fostering collaboration, we help Gen Z and millennial leaders drive positive change and promote a political culture rooted in empathy and solutions. To learn more, visit www.futurecaucus.org . View original content to download multimedia: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/young-republican-and-democratic-lawmakers-and-activists-receive-political-bridge-building-award-302313634.html SOURCE Future Caucus