Overview[]
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children launched the CyberTipline in March 1998 to serve as a national online clearinghouse for tips and leads about child sexual exploitation. Mandated by the Reporting of Child Pornography by Electronic Communication Service Providers Act, the CyberTipline allowed individuals and electronic service providers to report online (and via a toll-free number) incidents of child luring, child molestation, child pornography, sex tourism, and prostitution. It was replaced by CyberTipline II.
CyberTipline Reports are reviewed by NCMEC and shared with an appropriate law enforcement agency or the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. NCMEC adds ISP and geolocation information to the report. They may also include information about related CyberTipline Reports, e.g., those referencing the same username or IP address.