The Rise of Online Threats to Children with Kevin Branzetti

Kevin Branzetti, co-founder and CEO of the National Child Protection Task Force, boasts a distinguished 29-year career in law enforcement, primarily focused on counterterrorism and violent extremism with the NYPD for 22 years and later at the Manhattan District Attorney's Office for seven years. During his tenure at the DA's office, he spearheaded investigations into terrorism, violent extremism, and cyber-crime. Now leading the NCPTF, Branzetti leverages his extensive background to combat crimes against children, implementing cutting-edge strategies and collaborating with social media giants to develop trauma-informed solutions.

Child trafficking and exploitation are no longer happening the via physical abductions, as traffickers are constantly changing with technology trends. Online abductions and children being lured away from home are now being facilitated through the computer, and a 14-year-old can vanish with an online predator in no time. But as much as there has been an increase of awareness of children's online safety, some loopholes remain. Law enforcement agencies and investigators are not adequately equipped with up-to-date technological training to track and save the lives of innocent children who go missing. However, private agencies with great passion have aided, such as the National Child Protection Task Force, of which Kevin Branzetti is the co-founder.

Kevin joins us in this episode to talk more about his 30 years of experience in law enforcement, his online safety recommendations, insights into the nation’s runaway situation, and his thoughts on masculine culture. He also shares the #1 tip to keep children safe online.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

Key Highlights From The Show:
● [00:01] Intro and a quick bio of the guest, Kevin Branzetti
● [05:00] Kevin's professional background and how he got into the NCPTF
● [12:24] Limitations & frustrations of law enforcement officers doing their investigative work
● [15:12] The scope of the National Child Protection Task Force and its work
● [18:23] The driving force among the team’s passion in the work
● [20:36] How Kevin and his team have been able to build trust
● [25:04] Biggest technology shifts in the time he has been on the task force
● [27:43] Runaways vs real trafficking in victims and how to distinguish
● [32:55] How can men offer assistance even if they have never heard a badge and a gun
● [37:44] The mental impact of the cases Kevin has been investigating
● [41:02] A common frustrating masculine culture Kevin has encountered in his work
● [48:29] How to keep your child safe on the internet
● [53:52] Kevin's best advice to parents with young kids
● [01:00:02] Online safety resources for parents Kevin recommends
● [01:01:30] Life-giving therapy activities that keep Kevin motivated for the task force
● [01:04:27] What is on the future horizon for the National Child Protection Task Force
● [01:05:37] Why sextortion is the most troubling trend and the best defence
● [01:11:10] Kevin's final thoughts and words of challenge to us
● [01:12:44] Ending the show