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Thorn

Full company profile

uuid0000efy

Namestring
Thorn
Legal namestring
Thorn
Websiteurl
thorn.org
Company typeenum
Private
Founded yearint
2009
Operating statusenum
Operating
Ownership categoryenum
Headcount rangeband
11–50
akta.pro rankint
HeadquartersSan Francisco, United States
HQ citystring
San Francisco
HQ countrystring
United States
HQ regionstring
North America
Markets served

Serves global market

Offices2 records

Each record includes

City, Country, Type, Description, Source

Keyword5 values
child safety technology, CSAM detection software, content moderation AI, digital forensics tools, victim identification systems
Industry3 codes
1Child Safety & Exploitation Prevention Operations (CSAM detection workflows, escalation)
CodeBPAAALAKPrimaryYes
2Responsible AI, Security & Privacy Platforms (Safety, Guardrails, PII)
CodeHDAEANAGPrimaryNo
3Spam, Fake Engagement & Content Abuse Prevention
CodeHDADALAGPrimaryNo
NAICS code1 code
  • Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths)561621
SIC code1 code
  • Services-Computer Programming Services7371
Product category
Child Safety Software
GTM motion2 records

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

Revenue model3 records
1Platform Safety - Safer Product
TypeSubscription Recurring
Description

Earned revenue from providing Safer CSAM detection products to technology companies. 86 companies utilized Safer in 2025, representing 43% more than 2024.

thorn.org
2Child Victim Identification
TypeSubscription Recurring
Description

Earned revenue from Thorn Detect and CSAM Classifier tools deployed through digital forensic platforms. 66% of this pillar is earned revenue funded.

thorn.org
3Philanthropic Donations
TypeGrants Donations
Description

Donations from individual donors (20,000+ donors), monthly Builders program, major gifts, planned giving, stock donations, cryptocurrency, and workplace giving programs. Research & Insights and Technical Innovation are 100% philanthropically funded.

thorn.org
Marketing channels8 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Stage, Description, Source

Distribution channels4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Scope, Target buyer, Description, Source

Cost components6 values
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others
Pricing details1 tier
1Safer CSAM Detection for Platforms
ModelSubscriptionBilling cadenceAnnual
Notes

Enterprise pricing not publicly disclosed. 86 tech companies using detection products in 2025.

thorn.org
GTM typeB2B
B2B
Offering typeSoftware
Software
Brand1 of 5 records shown
1Safer
Description

CSAM and CSE-text detection product for content-hosting platforms

thorn.org
+4 more records
Core offering1 text field

Thorn develops and operates AI-powered detection software that identifies child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child sexual exploitation (CSE) content. Its core commercial products are the Safer platform (SaaS detection for content-hosting technology companies) and Thorn Detect (forensic CSAM classifiers used by law enforcement). The organization supplements these tools with proactive text-based grooming detection, Spanish-language support, and expert consulting on child safety policy and AI product safety.

Differentiator
Functional benefit
Problem solved
Quantifiable outcome1 of 8 values shown
  • 13,100,000+ potential CSAM files flagged for removal since 2012
+7 more records
Product overview1 text field

Thorn is a child safety nonprofit that offers a portfolio of technology products organized around four pillars: research and insights, technical innovation, child victim identification, and platform safety. The core product offering includes Safer (a CSAM and CSE-text detection SaaS platform for content-hosting platforms) and Thorn Detect (an AI-powered detection tool for law enforcement investigators). These are supplemented by Safer Predict (proactive AI detection), Thorn for Parents (parent resources), and NoFiltr (youth community). Thorn also offers consulting services for platforms seeking expert guidance on child safety policy and AI product red teaming. The products work together to create a layered digital safety net: Safer helps platforms detect and remove CSAM, Thorn Detect helps investigators identify child victims faster, and the research division informs all product development with youth-centered insights.

Product and service1 record
1Safer
Scale indicator15 records

Each record includes

Type, Value, Description, Source

Partnership11 partners
1Veritone
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or IntegrationAnnounced on2026-04-02
Description

Veritone integrated Thorn Detect, a CSAM detection AI tool, into its Intelligent Digital Evidence Management System (iDEMS) suite for law enforcement. The technology helps investigators identify evidence more quickly, prioritize content, and locate child victims faster.

2Veritone
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or IntegrationAnnounced on2026-04-02
Description

Thorn Detect integrated into Veritone's iDEMS suite for law enforcement investigations. Uses machine learning to identify potential CSAM on digital devices, helping investigators prioritize evidence and accelerate case resolution.

3Compassion International
Strategic tierFlagshipTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Thorn and Compassion International partnership since 2011 celebrating milestone of 25,000+ children sponsored. Collaboration extends the message of The Thorn theatrical production beyond stage to create tangible impact for children living in poverty.

4OpenAI
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

OpenAI uses Thorn's hash matching technology to identify known CSAM, deploying classifiers to detect potentially novel abusive content. OpenAI reports instances to NCMEC and advocates for public policy frameworks with Thorn.

5OpenAI
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

OpenAI's Child Safety Blueprint developed with input from NCMEC, Attorney General Alliance, and Thorn to facilitate more effective collaboration to prevent harm to children in the AI era.

6Griffeye
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Griffeye is a digital forensic platform partner through which investigators can access Thorn Detect directly for child victim identification investigations.

7Magnet Forensics
Strategic tierCoreTypeTechnology or Integration
Description

Magnet Forensics is a digital forensic platform partner providing access to Thorn Detect for investigators working on child exploitation cases.

8INHOPE
Strategic tierCoreTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Thorn is a partner and advises on developments, trends, and perspectives across the online childhood protection ecosystem. Also involved in INHOPE Global Standard Project developing Universal Classification Schema.

9INTERPOL
Strategic tierFlagshipTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Thorn participates in INTERPOL's Crimes against Children Unit activities, leveraging technical components and data to overcome technical challenges investigators face. Contributes expertise and leadership supporting international community to identify children faster.

10Tech Coalition
Strategic tierFlagshipTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

Thorn is a member of Tech Coalition, a global industry alliance of 60 technology companies dedicated to combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Publishes Lantern Transparency Report on cross-platform signal-sharing.

11NoFiltr
Strategic tierFlagshipTypeStrategic or Co-development Partner
Description

NoFiltr was initially incubated within Thorn and transitioned to independence with Thorn's fiscal sponsorship on Safer Internet Day 2026. Youth-driven digital safety brand expanding to include emerging technologies, information literacy, and digital wellbeing.

Recent move6 records

Each record includes

Date, Type, Title, Description, Source

Expansion highlight6 records

Each record includes

Type, Description

Market position
Competitive moat6 records

Each record includes

Type, Details

Key risks6 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Key highlights7 records

Each record includes

Headline, Details, Source

Customer concentration

Classification, Details

Named customers14 records

Each record includes

Name, Industry, Type, Use case, Source, UUID

Segment4 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Primary, Description, Pain point addressed, Use case, Source

Ideal customer profile2 records

Each record includes

Profile, Firmographic size, Sales motion, Sales cycle length, Buying structure, Purchase trigger, Buyer persona, Geography, Industry vertical, Primary use case, Description, Pain points, Evidence proof points, Target buyer

Technology focused
Yes
API detail
Has APIbool
No

Docs URL, Description

Integration6 records

Each record includes

Title, Type, Description, Source

AI capability8 records

Each record includes

Type, Description, Source

AI maturity
App detail

Has app

Feature5 records

Each record includes

Title, Differentiator, Description, Source

Core technology
Revenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Number of profiles
Profiles14 records

Each record includes

Name, Designation, Designation category, Overview, Profile commentary, Source

Subsidiaries1 record

Each record includes

Name, Acquired on, Relationship type, Type, Business focus

Compliance1 record

Each record includes

Name, Class, Description

Funding overview

Funding stage, Last funding date, Total funding USD

Funding rounds3 records

Each record includes

Round, Amount USD, Date, Pre money valuation, Total investors, Investors, News

Investors2 records

Each record includes

Name, Type, Date of entry, Rounds participated, Website

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Each record includes

Name, Acquisition type, Announced date, Completed date, Status, Website, News

Investment

Each record includes

Name, Round, Announced date, Lead investor, Website, News

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Thorn

Child Safety Softwarethorn.org

Thorn firmographics

Firmographics
Name
Thorn
Legal name
Thorn
Website
https://thorn.org
Company type
Private
Founded year
2009
Operating status
Operating
Headcount range
11–50 employees
Ownership category
akta.pro rank

Thorn industry classification

Industry
Product category
Child Safety Software
NAICS
Security Systems Services (except Locksmiths) (561621)
SIC
Services-Computer Programming Services (7371)
akta.pro primary industry
Child Safety & Exploitation Prevention Operations (CSAM detection workflows, escalation) (BPAAALAK)
akta.pro secondary industries
Responsible AI, Security & Privacy Platforms (Safety, Guardrails, PII) (HDAEANAG), Spam, Fake Engagement & Content Abuse Prevention (HDADALAG)

Keywords

  • Child safety technology
  • CSAM detection software
  • Content moderation AI
  • Digital forensics tools
  • Victim identification systems

Where Thorn is headquartered

Location

Headquarters

HQ city
San Francisco
HQ country
United States
HQ region
North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

Thorn business model

Business model
GTM type
B2B
Offering type
Software
Cost components
Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

  1. Platform Safety - Safer Product: Earned revenue from providing Safer CSAM detection products to technology companies. 86 companies utilized Safer in 2025, representing 43% more than 2024.
  2. Child Victim Identification: Earned revenue from Thorn Detect and CSAM Classifier tools deployed through digital forensic platforms. 66% of this pillar is earned revenue funded.
  3. Philanthropic Donations: Donations from individual donors (20,000+ donors), monthly Builders program, major gifts, planned giving, stock donations, cryptocurrency, and workplace giving programs. Research & Insights and Technical Innovation are 100% philanthropically funded.

Pricing tiers

ModelBillingPrice
SubscriptionAnnualSafer CSAM Detection for Platforms

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Thorn product offering

Product offering

Core offering

Thorn develops and operates AI-powered detection software that identifies child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child sexual exploitation (CSE) content. Its core commercial products are the Safer platform (SaaS detection for content-hosting technology companies) and Thorn Detect (forensic CSAM classifiers used by law enforcement). The organization supplements these tools with proactive text-based grooming detection, Spanish-language support, and expert consulting on child safety policy and AI product safety.

Product overview

Thorn is a child safety nonprofit that offers a portfolio of technology products organized around four pillars: research and insights, technical innovation, child victim identification, and platform safety. The core product offering includes Safer (a CSAM and CSE-text detection SaaS platform for content-hosting platforms) and Thorn Detect (an AI-powered detection tool for law enforcement investigators). These are supplemented by Safer Predict (proactive AI detection), Thorn for Parents (parent resources), and NoFiltr (youth community). Thorn also offers consulting services for platforms seeking expert guidance on child safety policy and AI product red teaming. The products work together to create a layered digital safety net: Safer helps platforms detect and remove CSAM, Thorn Detect helps investigators identify child victims faster, and the research division informs all product development with youth-centered insights.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

  • Safer: CSAM and CSE-text detection product for content-hosting platforms
  • Safer Predict
  • Thorn Detect
  • Thorn for Parents
  • NoFiltr

Products and services

  • Safer

Quantifiable outcome

  • 13,100,000+ potential CSAM files flagged for removal since 2012
  • +7 more outcomes

Companies that use Thorn

Customer profile

Named customers14 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Thorn technology and API

Technology

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API
No
API docs
API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration6 records

AI capability8 records

Feature5 records

Thorn partnerships and signals

Strategic signal

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core and flagship.

  • VeritonecoreTechnology or Integration · 2 April 2026Veritone integrated Thorn Detect, a CSAM detection AI tool, into its Intelligent Digital Evidence Management System (iDEMS) suite for law enforcement. The technology helps investigators identify evidence more quickly, prioritize content, and locate child victims faster.
  • VeritonecoreTechnology or Integration · 2 April 2026Thorn Detect integrated into Veritone's iDEMS suite for law enforcement investigations. Uses machine learning to identify potential CSAM on digital devices, helping investigators prioritize evidence and accelerate case resolution.
  • Compassion InternationalflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThorn and Compassion International partnership since 2011 celebrating milestone of 25,000+ children sponsored. Collaboration extends the message of The Thorn theatrical production beyond stage to create tangible impact for children living in poverty.
  • OpenAIcoreTechnology or IntegrationOpenAI uses Thorn's hash matching technology to identify known CSAM, deploying classifiers to detect potentially novel abusive content. OpenAI reports instances to NCMEC and advocates for public policy frameworks with Thorn.
  • OpenAIcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpenAI's Child Safety Blueprint developed with input from NCMEC, Attorney General Alliance, and Thorn to facilitate more effective collaboration to prevent harm to children in the AI era.
  • GriffeyecoreTechnology or IntegrationGriffeye is a digital forensic platform partner through which investigators can access Thorn Detect directly for child victim identification investigations.
  • Magnet ForensicscoreTechnology or IntegrationMagnet Forensics is a digital forensic platform partner providing access to Thorn Detect for investigators working on child exploitation cases.
  • INHOPEcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThorn is a partner and advises on developments, trends, and perspectives across the online childhood protection ecosystem. Also involved in INHOPE Global Standard Project developing Universal Classification Schema.
  • INTERPOLflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThorn participates in INTERPOL's Crimes against Children Unit activities, leveraging technical components and data to overcome technical challenges investigators face. Contributes expertise and leadership supporting international community to identify children faster.
  • Tech CoalitionflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerThorn is a member of Tech Coalition, a global industry alliance of 60 technology companies dedicated to combating online child sexual exploitation and abuse. Publishes Lantern Transparency Report on cross-platform signal-sharing.
  • NoFiltrflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerNoFiltr was initially incubated within Thorn and transitioned to independence with Thorn's fiscal sponsorship on Safer Internet Day 2026. Youth-driven digital safety brand expanding to include emerging technologies, information literacy, and digital wellbeing.

Scale indicators15 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Thorn competitors and assessment

Company assessment

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

Thorn social profiles

Digital presence

Thorn compliance and trust

Trust signal

Compliance1 record

Thorn financial estimates

Financial estimate

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Thorn leadership team

Management profile

Number of profiles

Profiles14 records

Thorn subsidiaries and ownership

Company hierarchy

Subsidiaries1 record

Thorn funding detail

Funding detail

Funding overview

Funding rounds3 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Thorn M&A and investment

M&A and investment

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Thorn

What does Thorn do?

Thorn develops and operates AI-powered detection software that identifies child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and child sexual exploitation (CSE) content. Its core commercial products are the Safer platform (SaaS detection for content-hosting technology companies) and Thorn Detect (forensic CSAM classifiers used by law enforcement). The organization supplements these tools with proactive text-based grooming detection, Spanish-language support, and expert consulting on child safety policy and AI product safety.

Is Thorn a public or private company?

Thorn is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.

When was Thorn founded?

Thorn was founded in 2009. It employs 11 to 50 people.

Where is Thorn based?

Thorn is headquartered in San Francisco, United States, in the North America region.

How does Thorn make money?

Three revenue lines are on record. Platform Safety - Safer Product is the primary driver. The others are child Victim Identification and philanthropic Donations.

Does Thorn have an API?

No public API is recorded for Thorn.

What industry is Thorn in?

Thorn's product category is Child Safety Software. Its primary akta.pro industry code is BPAAALAK, Child Safety & Exploitation Prevention Operations (CSAM detection workflows, escalation), with a secondary code of HDAEANAG, Responsible AI, Security & Privacy Platforms (Safety, Guardrails, PII). Its NAICS code is 561621 and its SIC code is 7371.

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Live signals
Education WeekMost Kids Use AI Chatbots, Some Seeking Advice on Sensitive TopicsA survey conducted by Thorn and Burson of more than 1,000 young people ages 9-17 found that 67% of minors reported using AI chatbots in 2025, with 29% turning to them for guidance on sensitive or intimate topics and 30% seeking help after experiencing something scary or confusing online. The report, part of an annual survey series dating back to 2019, highlights growing concerns about children increasingly using AI tools to process harmful online experiences including online sexual interactions. ChatGPT was the most commonly used AI chatbot (78% of minors), followed by Gemini (41%) and Meta AI (28%).TimeHow Livestreamed Child Abuse Is Challenging How We Think About Online PrivacyA TIME investigation reveals that nearly half a million Filipino children were sexually exploited in livestreams in 2022 alone, with the average victim age being just 8 years old, highlighting the Philippines as a global epicenter of this crime. The article examines how end-to-end encryption (E2EE), while designed to protect privacy for journalists and dissidents, has become a shield for abusers who operate on mainstream platforms including WhatsApp, Zoom, and Telegram. Legislative efforts including the STOP CSAM Act, which would allow victims to sue tech platforms, and the deployment of AI detection tools by companies like Thorn represent emerging responses, though privacy advocates and child-safety experts remain divided over detection approaches.PR NewswireSafer by Thorn Launches Context Labels to Help Platforms Prioritize Most Severe Suspected CSAM FasterThorn, a nonprofit technology organization focused on protecting children from sexual abuse and exploitation, announced the launch of context labels for its Safer AI detection platform, adding three new predictive classifiers for nudity, apparent maturity level, and sexual content to help platforms prioritize the most severe suspected CSAM cases. The classifiers were developed in collaboration with INTERPOL's DevOps community and align with the Universal Classification Schema V2 developed by INHOPE, a framework aimed at standardizing language across the child safety ecosystem. In 2025, Thorn's Safer platform classified more than 5.3 million suspected CSAM files across customer platforms, and the new context labels are designed to improve triage efficiency and support trust and safety teams.WebWireNew method aims to keep kids safe from illegal AI-generated content | WebWireMIT researchers, in collaboration with child safety nonprofit Thorn, developed a new auditing technique called Gaussian probing that can detect whether generative AI models have been fine-tuned to produce child sexual abuse material, without generating any illegal outputs. The method examines modifications made to a model's internal structure during fine-tuning and achieved 100% accuracy in identifying harmful model variations when tested. This approach aims to help platform hosts and law enforcement identify and remove unsafe open-source models before they are widely distributed, addressing a significant blind spot in AI safety testing.TechxploreNew method aims to keep kids safe from illegal AI-generated contentMIT researchers, in collaboration with child safety nonprofit Thorn, developed a new auditing technique called Gaussian probing that can detect whether AI models have been specialized to generate child sexual abuse material (CSAM) without actually generating illegal content. The method examines internal modifications (LoRA adapters) made to AI models during fine-tuning and achieved 100% accuracy in identifying CSAM-capable model variations when tested. The technique is designed to be scalable and relatively inexpensive, offering platforms hosting open-source models a way to proactively flag and remove harmful models before they are widely distributed.Mirage NewsNew Method Targets AI-Generated Content Safety for KidsMIT scientists, in collaboration with child safety nonprofit Thorn, have developed a new auditing technique called Gaussian probing that can detect whether AI models have been fine-tuned to produce child sexual abuse material, without generating any harmful outputs. The method examines internal model modifications (LoRA adaptors) through hidden layer analysis and achieved 100% accuracy in identifying harmful model variations during testing. This addresses a critical gap in AI safety auditing, as traditional testing methods that involve prompting models for CSAM are illegal in the U.S., creating a previously unaddressable blind spot that malicious actors were exploiting.MITNew method aims to keep kids safe from illegal AI-generated contentMIT scientists, in collaboration with child safety nonprofit Thorn, have developed a new AI auditing technique called Gaussian probing that can detect whether a generative AI model has been adapted to produce child sexual abuse material (CSAM) without generating any harmful output. The approach examines internal model modifications made during fine-tuning and achieved 100% accuracy in identifying harmful model variations when tested, offering a scalable solution for hosting platforms and law enforcement to flag unsafe models. Reports to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children of AI-generated CSAM surged from 67,000 in 2024 to over 1.5 million in 2025, highlighting the urgency of this research.Runway ResearchOur Approach to Child SafetyA generative AI company has outlined its approach to child safety, describing how it integrates safeguarding measures across model development, deployment, and maintenance phases in alignment with Thorn's Safety by Design for Generative AI principles. The company employs hash matching, child safety classifiers, and AI-based moderation to prevent CSAM generation, and manually reviews flagged content before reporting confirmed cases to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). The company states it submitted 516 reports to NCMEC's CyberTipline in 2025 and implements C2PA provenance signals to help trace AI-generated content.The Indian ExpressHow Skokka is redefining what platform safety actually means in the digital ageSkokka, an international classified platform operating in 29 countries including India, has developed a multi-layered safety architecture that includes AI-driven identity verification through Incode Technologies, requiring an estimated minimum age of 23 for adult content access with 99.8% confidence that users are legal adults. The company has integrated Thorn Safer, a child protection tool developed by the American non-profit Thorn, for real-time detection of illegal material, and has engaged directly with regulators in the UK (Ofcom) and Italy (AGCOM) on age verification and content safety protocols. In January 2025, Skokka formalized a partnership with Brazilian non-profit Associação Fala Mulher, which has supported over 25,000 women affected by violence since 2021, providing financial sponsorship to sustain emergency shelters and support programmes.OpenAIIntroducing the Child Safety BlueprintOpenAI has introduced a Child Safety Blueprint outlining a practical path for strengthening U.S. child protection frameworks in the AI era, focusing on modernizing laws to address AI-generated CSAM, improving provider reporting and coordination, and building safety-by-design measures into AI systems. The blueprint was developed with input from NCMEC, the Attorney General Alliance, and Thorn to facilitate more effective collaboration to prevent harm to children. The framework aims to interrupt exploitation attempts sooner, improve signal quality sent to law enforcement, and strengthen accountability across the ecosystem.