Turning the Tide: Key Victories Against Sexual Exploitation in 2025 

By:


We’re not even through summer yet and 2025 is already shaping up to be a year we’ll never forget. There have been so many incredible victories and milestones in the fight against sexual exploitation.  

When we look at where we are right now, we’re overwhelmed with gratitude for your unwavering commitment to justice. We’re in this together for the longhaul; there are many more battles ahead. But it’s important for us to take time to step back from the darkness, and celebrate how far we’ve already come.  

So, here’s a brief review of the amazing things you’ve achieved so far this year. We hope you are proud of this magnificent legacy!

2025 Mid Year Report

Historic progress in just the first half of the year! Read the report to learn more.

You Made History with the TAKE IT DOWN Act  

Because of your advocacy, the TAKE IT DOWN Act is now federal law. Uploading or distributing sexually explicit images without consent is finally a federal crime, and platforms must act swiftly to remove these images within 48 hours of receiving a report from a survivor. This monumental victory happened because you believed survivors deserved better and demanded accountability. 

You Overcame Section 230 to Hold Twitter Accountable  

Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act presents a near insurmountable obstacle to survivors looking to sue the tech platforms that facilitated their abuse. But thanks to you, a child sex trafficking survivor has overcome that hurdle!  

Our survivor client’s lawsuit against Twitter is allowed to proceed, with the Ninth Circuit overturning aspects of a former ruling that threw the suit out on the basis of Section 230. This sets a powerful precedent for future cases, paving a new path for survivors of online harm to sue tech companies for dangerous product design and negligent behavior. 

Your Voice Echoed in the Supreme Court 

When the pornography industry’s lobbying arm challenged Texas’s age verification laws, arguing they had the right to expose children to explicit content without consequence, you stood firm. Your support allowed us to file an Amicus Brief on behalf of 15 Texas State Senators. The Supreme Court listened and upheld states’ rights to require age verification for pornography websites. 

You Stood Against the Tate Brothers

When Andrew and Tristan Tate harassed and sued a survivor of their alleged global sex trafficking operation, you ensured she wasn’t alone. Your support made it possible for us to defend Jane Doe and file a countersuit, compiling over 100 pages of evidence of the Tates’ crimes.

You Stopped a Dangerous AI Moratorium Cold 

When a Senate proposal threatened to block states from regulating artificial intelligence for a decade, it could have had devastating consequences—apps that “nudify” photos of women and girls, AI-generated child sexual abuse materials, and chatbots designed to groom minors would have gone unchecked. But you took action. 

Thanks to you, this dangerous proposal was defeated by a crushing 99-1 margin. States still have the power to protect their citizens from AI abuse because of your vigilance and determination. 

You Challenged Big Porn in the Courts  

Your contributions allowed us to file a first-of-its-kind lawsuit against major pornography platforms for allowing minors access to their sites, a direct violation of state age verification laws. We also press forward in our lawsuits against Pornhub and other major pornography websites, expecting to soon head to trial.  

You Convinced Apple that ALL Minors Need Protection  

Apple has historically denied key safety features to 13 to 17-year-olds, the age group that is often MOST at risk for online sexual harm. For years, you stood with us as we pressed on Apple to change this, and they have finally listened! Apple will now automatically blur nude images and enable web content filters for ALL minors, including those 13+.  

The Road Ahead Needs You 

As we reflect on these historic victories, we know there’s still so much work to do. The forces of exploitation adapt quickly, and new challenges are already emerging. But here’s what those forces don’t understand: they’re not just fighting laws and lawsuits. They’re fighting you. 

They’re fighting parents who refuse to let corporate greed hurt their children. They’re fighting survivors who refuse to stay silent. And they’re fighting advocates like you who believe human dignity is non-negotiable. 

It’s only August, but the victories of 2025 already have your fingerprints all over them. With your continued courage and support, we’ll keep fighting—and winning. 

Together, we’re not just making history. We’re building the future our children deserve. Let’s keep going. 

Read about more of your victories this year in the mid-year report:  

2025 Mid Year Report

Historic progress in just the first half of the year! Read the report to learn more.

The Numbers

300+

NCOSE leads the Coalition to End Sexual Exploitation with over 300 member organizations.

100+

The National Center on Sexual Exploitation has had over 100 policy victories since 2010. Each victory promotes human dignity above exploitation.

93

NCOSE’s activism campaigns and victories have made headlines around the globe. Averaging 93 mentions per week by media outlets and shows such as Today, CNN, The New York Times, BBC News, USA Today, Fox News and more.

Stories

Survivor Lawsuit Against Twitter Moves to Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals

Survivors’ $12.7M Victory Over Explicit Website a Beacon of Hope for Other Survivors

Instagram Makes Positive Safety Changes via Improved Reporting and Direct Message Tools

Sharing experiences may be a restorative and liberating process. This is a place for those who want to express their story.

Support Dignity

There are more ways that you can support dignity today, through an online gift, taking action, or joining our team.

GDPR / CPRA privacy choices

We use cookies

We use necessary cookies to make this site work and analytics to understand site usage. You can opt out of analytics, reject other non-essential technologies, customize your choices, or accept all. Privacy policy

Defend Human Dignity. Donate Now.

Defend Dignity.
Donate Now.