Waltz, Tebow Launch Global Child-Exploitation Push as U.S. Expands U.N. Sextortion Drive
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jul 18
Waltz, Tebow Launch Global Child-Exploitation Push as U.S. Expands U.N. Sextortion Drive
3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jul 18
Summary
At a U.N. briefing in New York, Mike Waltz and Tim Tebow unveiled a renewed cross-border campaign against online child exploitation, bringing together governments, law enforcement and anti-trafficking groups.
Waltz said the main obstacle is not foreign refusal but weak legal and investigative capacity in many countries, including missing criminal statutes, extradition treaties and expertise in handling electronic evidence.
Tebow warned the threat is already reaching children "in their backyard," urging parents to use online safety tools and monitor digital activity as predators seek chances to groom and sextort minors.
Recent international operations, fresh congressional funding and a U.S.-led U.N. resolution on online sextortion are meant to support training, victim identification and coordinated investigations worldwide.
Beyond high-profile arrests, how will these initiatives tackle the root causes of child trafficking in the world's most vulnerable nations?
As AI creates abuse material faster than ever, can new global funding and laws outpace the technology used by predators?
With investigators facing 'soul-bruising' trauma, how can AI tools protect them without losing the human element needed for rescues?
U.S.-Led Global Offensive Targets Online Child Exploitation: 2026 UN Resolution, Renewed Hope Act, and Big Tech Accountability
Overview
In July 2026, the United States launched a major global offensive against the escalating crisis of child exploitation, especially online sextortion. This action followed significant diplomatic efforts and a crucial United Nations resolution adopted in June, reflecting urgent international cooperation. The rise of digital spaces and camera-enabled devices has created alarming opportunities for offenders, leading to a sickening scale of abuse online. At the 35th session of the UN Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice, the U.S. played a leading role in securing consensus on a critical resolution targeting cyber scams and sextortion, uniting the international community to support victims and hold offenders accountable.