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Child Protection Policy

US.WATCH CHILD PROTECTION POLICY.

Effective May 21, 2025 | Archived versions | Download PDF

What's covered in these terms

We know it's tempting to skip these Child Protection Policy, but it's
important to establish what you can expect from us as you use
US.Watch services, and what we expect from you.

Welcome to US.Watch, a service operated by Alert Link LLC ("we," "our," or "us"), a company incorporated in the State of Missouri. These Terms of Use ("Terms") govern your access to and use of the US.Watch mobile app, website, and any associated services, including participation in our online communities and social media platforms (collectively, the "Services").

By accessing or using our Services, you agree to be bound by our Terms of Use. If you do not agree, do not use the Services.

Purpose

US.Watch is committed to safeguarding children and young people from harm. This policy outlines the principles and procedures that guide our organization in preventing, identifying, and responding to abuse, exploitation, and neglect.

Scope

This policy applies to all US.Watch employees, volunteers, board members, interns, consultants, community members, community moderators, and third-party contractors (collectively, the "Representatives").

Definition of a Child

For the purposes of this policy, a 'child' is defined as any individual under the age of 18, in line with the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Principles

Zero tolerance: We do not tolerate any form of child abuse or exploitation.
Best Interests of the Child: All decisions and actions are guided by what is in the child's best interest.
Do No Harm: We ensure our activities, especially online engagement, do not expose children to harm.
Empowerment: We support children's rights to be heard and to participate safely.
Accountability: We take all concerns seriously and act swiftly, transparently, and legally across all our activities.

Code of Conduct

All Representatives must:

Treat children with dignity and respect at all times.
Never engage in any form of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
Avoid any behavior that could be perceived as exploitative or abusive.
Not develop inappropriate relationships with children (including online).
Not share images or identifiable information of children without verified consent from guardians or law enforcement agencies or contractors. E.g. an AMBER Alert.
Avoid private or unsupervised interactions with children.
Report any suspicion or allegation of abuse immediately (see Section 9).

Online Safety

All child-related content posted online must be anonymized unless explicit consent is given or emergency dictates, e.g. during or after AMBER Alerts.
Our online platforms (including social media and the US.Watch website and App) are actively moderated by employees, interns, contractors, or volunteers.
We do not knowingly allow children under 18 to register or provide personal information without verifiable parental consent.
Geolocation data and sensitive identifying details are protected and never publicly shared.

Recruitment & Training

All staff, including employees, interns, and contractors, third-party contractors, and volunteers who may engage with children or sensitive child-related data must:

Undergo background checks, including criminal history and record screening.
Provide at least two references.
Complete mandatory child safeguarding training upon hiring and at regular intervals.

Communications and Media

We avoid using imagery or language that exploits or sensationalizes child vulnerability.
All child-related stories or alerts must prioritize dignity, consent, and safety.
US.Watch does not publish content that may retraumatize victims or identify them with cause and consent.

Reporting Concerns

All Representatives, including but not limited to: employees, interns, and contractors, third-party contractors, and volunteers are required to report concerns immediately to our in-house designated Safety Officer Johan Skou Schwartzbach; telephone 400-400-4000; johan@us.watch.

Anonymous reporting form can be found here.

Immediate danger? Call 911 and notify leadership.

All concerns will be investigated promptly, confidentially, and in accordance with Missouri State and Federal Law.

Governing Law

This policy is governed by the laws of the State of Missouri, without regard to its conflict of laws principles.

In addition, our Child Protection Policy aligns with U.S. Federal Law, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), as further detailed in 15 U.S.C. §§ 6501-6505 and its implementing regulations at 16 CFR Part 312.