Online Safety

Online Safety

Evidence-based solutions built on over a decade of online safety expertise and global development work

IREX Online Safety Services help governments, technology companies, and civil society reduce online harm and build safer digital environments where people can learn, work, and participate with confidence and dignity. We focus on practical, people‑centered solutions that prevent harm, strengthen response systems, and embed safety into technology and policy from the start.
 

IREX Solutions

Public Sector

  • Skills to recognize and respond to online abuse
  • Clear, usable guidance on privacy and data protection
  • Institutional capacity to enforce rules fairly and consistently

Private Sector

  • Product teams understand how real people experience online harm
  • Companies design safer features, clearer reporting tools, and better response systems
  • Public policy and human rights principles are translated into everyday design decisions

Individuals, Organizations, and Communities

  • Clear guidance to protect accounts, devices, and personal information
  • Survivor-centered response pathways that respect choice and dignity
  • Training for trusted local organizations to provide frontline support

What We Do

Public Sector Capacity and Governance

  • Our work strengthens institutional coordination, improves survivor‑centered response pathways, and builds practical skills to recognize, respond to, and prevent online abuse.

Safety by Design and Private Sector Engagement

  • We help teams understand real‑world user risk, design safer features, and reporting systems, and operationalize human rights and public policy principles in everyday product decisions.

Community‑Centered Support and Resilience

  • We equip civil society organizations, journalists, youth, and other at‑risk communities with practical guidance, tools, and training to stay safe online.

Our Cross-Cutting Approach

Across all online safety work, IREX applies shared principles:

  1. People first: Technology should protect dignity and agency.
  2. Prevention and response: Reduce risk and act when harm occurs.
  3. Local leadership: Solutions reflect lived experience and context.
  4. Practical action: Clear steps, usable tools, no jargon.
  5. Shared responsibility: Governments, companies, and communities all play a role.
  6. Evidence and agility: Adaptation of solutions match the pace of innovation.

IREX Global Success

7.5 million people by 2028

will be reached through tech platforms now strengthened by IREX Safety by Design.  

96% of tech partners commit

to incorporate safety-by-design features into their platforms after participating in IREX’s trainings.

More than 80% of reported online harms mitigated 

by participating tech platforms.

200+ organizations

across Kenya and the Philippines have been trained in IREX Safety by Design.

IREX Competitive Advantages

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Global Network that includes comparative insight coalitions and experts in 25+ countries, and ongoing partnership with Development Gateway: An IREX Subsidiary.

 

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Trusted Technical Expertise with 10+ years working across global safety, information access, and technology.

 

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International Program Facilitation covering end-to-end design and execution of bespoke engagements, across in-person or virtual formats, and learning exchanges.

 

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Ready-to-go, Globally Tested Tools and Models that are adaptable to diverse contexts.

 

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Shared Ownership Commitment to intentional engagement across levels or sectors to co-define challenges and tailored solutions, promoting buy-in and lasting impact.

 

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Mission and Results Driven with documented results in governance and research.

200+ organizations across Kenya and the Philippines trained in safety-by-design under the online safety program National Models for Women’s Safety Online.
Our Reach

200+ organizations across Kenya and the Philippines trained in safety-by-design under the online safety program National Models for Women’s Safety Online.

More than 80% of reported online harms mitigated by participating tech platforms.
Our Impact

More than 80% of reported online harms mitigated by participating tech platforms.

Contact

Katya Vogt, Online Safety Lead

kvogt@irex.org | www.irex.org 

 

Josh Powell, CEO of Development Gateway and Vice President for Digital Program Innovation 

jpowell@developmentgateway.org | www.developmentgateway.org 

 

Programs & Projects

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