The Public Interest Registry (PIR), operator of the .ORG Top-Level Domain, has announced an expanded partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to disrupt criminal networks that profit from online child sexual abuse. The initiative extends PIR’s existing sponsorship to domain registrars, giving them free access to IWF’s detection tools for identifying and blocking abusive websites.
Targeting the Criminal Use of Domain Names
The Internet Watch Foundation is known for its extensive work in identifying and removing child sexual abuse material (CSAM) from the internet. Now, by partnering with PIR, that expertise will reach domain registrars—organizations that sell domain names to the public. This move allows registrars to receive immediate alerts from IWF when criminal entities attempt to register domains for websites dedicated to distributing or selling CSAM.
This new phase of collaboration enables registrars to recognize patterns and prevent criminals from setting up so-called “brands” across multiple top-level domains. The sponsorship removes cost barriers, ensuring any registrar can take part without fees or technical restrictions. This collective defense adds a new layer of accountability to the domain name ecosystem.
How the Program Works
Through IWF’s Domain Alerts system, registrars will receive real-time notifications if their managed domains are linked to CSAM. These alerts allow them to suspend or remove offending sites before harmful material spreads further. The program complements another IWF service, the TLD Hopping List, which tracks criminal behavior as bad actors move between different domain extensions to avoid detection.
Both services have already been effective at the registry level. Since PIR’s sponsorship began in early 2024, 30 registries—representing nearly 60 top-level domains and more than 53 million domain names—have joined. The expanded access for registrars marks a significant next step, broadening protection across the domain supply chain.
Industry Leaders Speak Out
Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the Internet Watch Foundation, emphasized that the fight against these online “brands” of abuse is more than a technical challenge—it’s a moral one. “It’s appalling to think that children’s suffering can be treated as a business opportunity,” she said. “Registrars have an opportunity to make a real difference by cutting off the online presence of these operations.”
PIR President and CEO Jon Nevett added that this initiative reflects PIR’s long-standing commitment to a safer internet. “Expanding IWF access to registrars strengthens the chain of trust across the domain industry,” Nevett said. “Our goal is to make it harder for these criminal networks to operate, one domain at a time.”
Next Steps for Registrars
Registrars can sign up for IWF’s services now, with access becoming active in early 2026. Participation is open and free under PIR’s sponsorship. Registrars will gain the ability to detect CSAM-related activity automatically and take swift action to remove harmful content.
To get involved, domain businesses can contact the IWF membership team at [email protected] or visit iwf.org.uk/membership.
What the You Can Do
The Internet Watch Foundation continues to encourage the public to report any suspected child sexual abuse imagery found online. Reports can be made anonymously at iwf.org.uk/report. Submissions should include the exact URL of the offending material to help investigators act quickly. The organization asks that people only report each web address once to conserve analyst time and resources.
Advice for Parents and Carers
The IWF also urges parents to use the T.A.L.K. approach: Talk openly with children about online abuse, Agree on technology use rules as a family, Learn about the apps and games kids enjoy, and Know how to use digital safety tools to monitor and protect their activity.
These measures, combined with proactive steps from registries and registrars, can close key loopholes exploited by criminal organizations.
This collaboration between PIR and IWF reflects a shared mission—protecting children, restoring trust in the domain ecosystem, and reinforcing the internet’s potential as a tool for good. By extending vital technology and intelligence to registrars, the .ORG registry is making sure that those who profit from harm face fewer places to hide.