Shocking Connections: EU Lawmakers Linked to Child Safety Tech Firm Thorn Uncovered
Published on: March 10, 2024
European Union lawmakers are being pressured to provide complete transparency regarding their dealings with Thorn, a technology firm that develops tools to protect children from online threats. Thorn, co-founded by celebrities Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore, has made headlines for its innovative approach to combating child exploitation and its collaborations with major tech platforms.
The call for disclosure comes amid heightened public concern over data privacy and the ethical use of surveillance technologies. As Thorn’s software often involves the collection and processing of sensitive data, watchdog groups emphasize the need for accountability in how these tools are employed by law enforcement and other agencies.
While Thorn has been praised for its effective software and tools that identify and rescue victims of child trafficking and abuse, scrutiny has increased regarding the potential for misuse and the safeguards in place to protect civil liberties. The tech-maker's close interactions with policymakers and government officials have thus become a focal point for those advocating for regulatory oversight.
The EU Parliament’s civil liberties committee has been urged to hold a public hearing to discuss the nature of Thorn’s work within the EU, any funding received, and the specific use of their technologies by EU member states. Advocates for full disclosure argue that such transparency is vital for maintaining public trust and ensuring that child protection does not come at the expense of privacy rights.
If successful, the transparency push could lead to new precedents in the way third-party tech companies interact with government bodies. For Thorn, full disclosure might also underscore its commitment to ethical standards, while educating the public and policymakers about the complexities of digital child protection.