Message from Kinsa's CEO Paul Gillespie

History

Kinsa was established in response to the rampant increase in images of child sexual abuse on the Internet. As law enforcement agencies around the world began investigating the alarming amount of online child exploitation, they were facing technological and investigative challenges that required a new approach to policing.

The Internet is rapidly developing, enhancing communication and access to information for millions of people around the globe. At the same time, however, the dark side of the Internet was burgeoning. Pedophile networks were multiplying– global networks that were luring and exploiting kids were creating, distributing and trading images of children being sexually abused.

The Kids’ Internet Safety Alliance - Kinsa - was established in May 2004 by former Toronto police officer Paul Gillespie and Bill Hutchison a leader in the global IT industry. In 2007 Kinsa was granted charitable status.

To combat this issue head on, it was necessary to create an environment of cooperation amongst regional and international law enforcement - to create a global effort unencumbered by jurisdictional regulations or budget restrictions. Offenders who abuse or exploit children and traded images and movies of child sexual abuse on the Internet are not constrained by geography or funding. Rather, they leverage the latest technologies to establish global covert social networks.

Kinsa has built a multi-faceted global network of experts in the IT sector, law enforcement, prosecution, and legislation. This network of experts enables Kinsa to provide cutting-edge technology, investigative techniques, resources and support to law enforcement around the world.

Today, Kinsa is a recognized global leader helping to train police officers and prosecutors and build capacity in developing nations to identify and rescue child victims of abuse whose images are traded on the Internet.