Tether Doubles Down with INHOPE: Crypto Giant Takes Harder Stance Against Child Exploitation

Tether isn't just minting stablecoins—it's now minting headlines for cracking down on dark-web crimes. The USDT issuer just expanded its partnership with INHOPE, a global network fighting child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Because even in crypto's wild west, some lines shouldn’t be crossed.

Why this matters: While critics love to paint crypto as lawless, Tether’s move proves blockchain’s traceability is a weapon against predators. Every transaction leaves a trail—even the illegal ones.

The irony? The same tech enabling anonymous payments also makes laundering dirty money harder than explaining Bitcoin to a boomer. Tether’s compliance team now works with 50+ hotlines worldwide to freeze illicit funds faster than a DeFi rug pull.

Cynic’s corner: Sure, it’s great PR—but imagine if banks showed this much hustle tracking dirty fiat. Maybe stablecoins will stabilize morality too (we kid… mostly).

Tether, a leading entity in the digital assets realm, has announced an expansion of its collaboration with INHOPE, a prominent global network dedicated to combating online Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). This partnership, established in 2023, aims to further intensify efforts to prevent the misuse of financial transactions in child exploitation scenarios, according to Tether.

Strengthening Financial Safeguards

Operating the world's most widely utilized stablecoin, Tether has been at the forefront of transparency and safety within the industry. By integrating advanced monitoring systems and enforcing stringent safety protocols, Tether facilitates collaboration among exchanges, hotlines, and law enforcement to identify and disrupt illicit transactions related to CSAM.

Paolo Ardoino, Tether's CEO, emphasized the role of blockchain technology in enhancing transparency and accountability. He stated, "Blockchain technology has the power to bring transparency and accountability to financial transactions, making it a powerful tool in the fight against illicit activity." Ardoino highlighted Tether's commitment to responsible innovation and safeguarding digital asset integrity.

Global Efforts Against Child Exploitation

Samantha Woolfe, INHOPE's Head of Global Partnerships and Network Expansion, expressed gratitude for Tether's enhanced involvement. She underscored the importance of cross-sector collaboration in dismantling criminal networks and protecting children. Woolfe stated, "Together, we continue to strengthen global efforts to detect, report, and remove CSAM, ensuring a safer digital world for all."

This expansion underscores the fintech sector's crucial role in child protection, highlighting the importance of collective action. Tether's alliance with INHOPE continues to advance industry-wide safeguards against the exploitation of financial platforms.

About INHOPE

INHOPE is a global network committed to combating online CSAM, consisting of 57 hotlines across 52 countries. These hotlines provide anonymous reporting channels for illegal content, focusing on CSAM. Based in the Netherlands, INHOPE operates extensively across EU member states, Russia, South Africa, North & South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, supported by the European Commission's Better Internet for Kids Programme.

• tether
• inhope
• blockchain
• child exploitation