Innocent Lives Foundation

The Innocent Lives Foundation, abbreviated as ILF, is a U.S. nonprofit organization focused on combating online child predation. Founded by Christopher J. Hadnagy in 2017, ILF utilizes open-source intelligence to identify anonymous child predators, compile evidence, and collaborate with law enforcement agencies to bring these individuals to justice.

Mission and Goals

ILF's mission is centered on protecting children from online abuse by identifying and exposing child predators. A key aspect of their work involves educating parents and guardians about how to monitor and discuss their children's online activities safely. The foundation also aims to prevent the spread of child sexual abuse material through their efforts.

Operational Principles

• Children First: All decisions and actions are prioritized based on their impact on endangered children.
• Operational Integrity: ILF operates under strict guidelines within a monitored virtual environment to ensure that investigations are conducted ethically and effectively.
• Protecting Team Health: ILF recognizes the emotional toll of their work and provides a Wellness Program for team members, ensuring their mental health is supported.
• Strategic Information Sharing: ILF is cautious in sharing information to avoid educating predators or hindering investigations.
• Anti-Vigilantism Policy: ILF opposes vigilantism, believing it can create legal loopholes for predators and cause more harm than good.

History

The foundation was established following a pivotal incident where Hadnagy's company, Social-Engineer, LLC, discovered an employee accessing child sexual abuse material via the dark web during a social engineering engagement in 2017. This discovery led to the creation of ILF, which was announced at DEF CON 25 the same year.

Involvement and Support

ILF encourages community involvement through donations and volunteer work. As a 501(c)(3) organization, all donations contribute to resources, tools, and personnel needed to pursue their mission. influential figures like A.J. Cook serve as ambassadors for the foundation, furthering its reach and impact.