Law enforcement agencies, child protection experts, and technology leaders from around the world are coming together for the ninth annual Youth, Technology and Virtual Communities (YTVC) conference hosted by Argos, Crime and Intelligence Command at Bond University. This year’s conference theme, ‚Technology: Threats and Opportunities‘, will delve into the pressing issues of technology-facilitated crimes against children, online child exploitation, the impacts of social media, and the role of technology in safeguarding children from harm.
With over 460 national and international specialists and practitioners in attendance, the conference will provide a platform for law enforcement, prosecution, academia, and child advocacy and protective service groups to share insights and experiences. Members of the Queensland Police Service (QPS) will present case studies and discuss their work within their respective fields.
The next three days will be filled with discussions on a variety of topics, featuring esteemed speakers such as law enforcement representatives from INTERPOL, Australia, Germany, Switzerland, The United Kingdom, and The United States of America. Additionally, expert psychologists, researchers, and frontline practitioners specializing in research and treatment related to online child exploitation will contribute their knowledge and expertise.
Crime and Intelligence Command Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors emphasized the importance of the conference in addressing the rising trend of technology-facilitated crimes against children. He highlighted the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and child protection organizations in combatting these crimes and stressed the need for innovative solutions to enhance collective efforts in prevention, disruption, and prosecution.
Assistant Commissioner Connors commended the work of QPS, child advocacy groups, non-government organizations, and social workers in the fight against crimes targeting children. He expressed gratitude for their dedication and determination in protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable for their actions.
The YTVC conference serves as a crucial platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and strategizing in the ongoing battle against online child exploitation and technology-facilitated crimes. By bringing together experts from various disciplines and regions, the conference aims to foster a united front in safeguarding children and ensuring their safety in an increasingly digital world.
In his opening address, Crime and Intelligence Command Assistant Commissioner Brian Connors set the tone for the conference, emphasizing the urgent need for action and cooperation in tackling the complex challenges posed by technology-facilitated crimes against children. As the conference unfolds, attendees can expect to engage in thought-provoking discussions, gain valuable insights, and contribute to the collective efforts to protect the most vulnerable members of society.