On 5 May, to mark the National Day Against Paedophilia and Child Sexual Abuse Material, Telefono Azzurro hosted the event “Silence Does Not Protect” in Rome. The gathering served as a powerful moment of public reflection and dialogue, bringing together representatives from institutions, politics, academia, the non-profit sector, and civil society.


The initiative underscored a vital message: silence does not protect victims, it does not stop abuse, and it does not lead to change. On the contrary, it is through open dialogue, international cooperation, and shared commitment that a true system of protection for the most vulnerable can be built.

One of the day’s most meaningful contributions came from Robbert Hoving, President of INHOPE, whose insights enriched the afternoon’s discussion. His remarks emphasised the urgent need for cross-border cooperation to safeguard children in an increasingly digital and interconnected world.

The event also featured a message from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who acknowledged the importance of the initiative and reaffirmed her support for collective action.

“I extend my sincere thanks to Telefono Azzurro, which for over 35 years has been at the forefront of promoting the rights of children and adolescents […] to build a global movement to protect the youngest. This is a goal we fully embrace- one that becomes more urgent in today’s fast-evolving digital age.” - Giorgia Meloni, Prime Minister

Together, we can build a safer future for children and adolescents. Every voice matters. Silence is never the answer.

Telefono Azzurro Recognised as Italy’s First Trusted Flagger for Child Protection

Fondazione S.O.S. Telefono Azzurro ETS has been officially recognised by AGCOM (the Italian Communications Guarantee Authority) as a Trusted Flagger for content related to the protection of children and adolescents (0–18 years)—the first organisation in Italy to receive this designation.

This recognition reinforces Telefono Azzurro’s long-standing role in safeguarding children in the digital environment and highlights its concrete commitment to building a safer online space through structured collaboration with national and international authorities.

As a Trusted Flagger, Telefono Azzurro will now hold the responsibility and authority to process reports of illegal online content more directly and effectively, particularly in cases involving:

• Violations of data protection and privacy
• Non-consensual sharing of content
• Cyberbullying and online intimidation
• Pornographic or sexualised content
• Breaches of child protection laws
• Incitement to self-harm
• Depictions of violence or criminal acts
  
  

“Trusted Flaggers play a crucial role under the Digital Services Act in tackling illegal online content. This recognition from AGCOM confirms the importance of our work and strengthens our ability to act swiftly to protect children and adolescents from digital threats.” - Ernesto Caffo, President of Telefono Azzurro

This milestone aligns with Telefono Azzurro’s mission to uphold children’s rights in all environments- including the digital space- and reflects the principles of the EU Digital Services Act, which promotes transparency, accountability, and the proactive removal of harmful content across online platforms.

By becoming Italy’s first Trusted Flagger for youth protection, Telefono Azzurro reaffirms its commitment to listening, protecting, and taking action- wherever children are.

In addition, this new status enables the hotline’s analysts to assess all reports received, including those concerning CSAM. The hotline has also begun submitting reports directly through ICCAM, strengthening its role within the INHOPE network and enhancing its ability to combat the spread of CSAM more effectively.


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