The Oregon State Legislature's Joint Committee on Ways and Means Subcommittee on Public Safety spotlighted the critical work of the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force during its recent meeting. As one of 61 task forces nationwide, the ICAC is dedicated to combating technology-facilitated crimes and the exploitation of children.

A significant highlight from the meeting was the announcement of increased funding for the ICAC unit, which has expanded from five to 19 positions, with 17 of those now funded by the general fund. This boost in personnel is crucial as the task force processes a staggering number of cyber tips—over 10,000 reported incidents in 2024 alone. These tips, primarily from major service providers like Google, are essential for identifying and addressing child exploitation cases.

The committee discussed the ongoing rise in cyber tips, emphasizing the urgent need for resources to tackle this growing issue. The ICAC's role includes collaborating with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), which helps direct these reports to the appropriate task forces for investigation.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the importance of continued funding and support for the ICAC, with further discussions anticipated in upcoming budget presentations. The commitment to enhancing child safety through these efforts remains a top priority for Oregon's lawmakers.