The Intervention Journey A Roadmap to Effective Digital Safety Measures 2025

Introduction The digital environment is characterized by a large volume of evolving online harms, necessitating solutions that are not only adaptable and current but also proactive and forward-thinking, capable of evolving in tandem with the threats they are designed to mitigate. In this complex landscape, a multifaceted approach is essential – no single intervention is capable of addressing the varied myriad of online harms. The nature of digital harm is such that it defies easy categorization or simple remedies. Each intervention must be carefully evaluated, weighing its costs against its benefits while also considering its effectiveness. Digital harm lacks a definitive solution. The focus should be on mitigating risks before harms occur, while recognizing that some level of risk will always persist. Interventions in digital safety come with inherent costs that extend beyond financial expenditure, impacting areas such as time, user experience and freedom of expression. As a result, it is essential to carefully weigh these costs against the potential benefits, such as increased security, privacy and user trust, and the protection of fundamental human rights. Companies must weigh the gravity of actual harm from serious crimes such as child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), since such protection is an internationally recognized fundamental right. Interventions in digital safety are broad and encompass both technological and non- technological measures to effectively address the complexities of online threats. In all approaches, measuring and analysing digital safety interventions is crucial. It is also essential to consider how widely they can be adopted, their suitability for providers, the ease of implementation and overall effectiveness. Interventions are increasingly shaped by evolving regulatory frameworks, including Australia’s Online Safety Act 2021, the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act 2023 and the European Union’s Digital Services Act. Governments and international organizations are advocating for stronger measures to protect users and vulnerable non-users, and hold platforms accountable. However, detailed disclosures about the inner workings of digital safety tools could be increasingly exploited by malicious actors, who might use this information to better bypass security measures or manipulate systems. In this context, the challenge lies in balancing the need for transparency with the necessity of maintaining security. Smaller companies often face challenges in implementing effective digital safety interventions due to limited technical expertise and budget constraints. This makes the sharing of information and best practices between platforms, such as through partnerships, crucial for addressing the global and interconnected nature of online harms. This report is designed to compile a broad spectrum of digital safety interventions, providing companies with the insights needed to enhance their capabilities in identifying digital risks, preventing harm, mitigating impacts and facilitating repair in the aftermath of incidents. The spectrum of interventions has been organized into four types, with many interventions intersecting with multiple types. Those types are: technical, behavioural, educational and policy- related interventions. The report guides readers through a detailed roadmap, illustrating the critical steps and considerations involved in developing and implementing effective digital safety interventions. The objective is to provide valuable insights and practical recommendations, specifically for SMEs. The sharing of best practices and use of partnerships can help them to develop and deploy robust safety measures. In a complex digital world, proactive interventions prioritize safety while navigating regulatory demands and operational challenges. The report guides readers through a detailed roadmap, illustrating the critical steps and considerations involved in developing and implementing effective digital safety interventions. The Intervention Journey: A Roadmap to Effective Digital Safety Measures 5