The Battle for Online Childhood | Keith Waggoner

Keith is a builder and operator driven by real-world impact, combining experience in technology, gaming, security & defense contracting to develop systems that address modern threats where they actually exist. In Simple TermsZero Wake is a team working to stop child exploitation before it happens - especially in online and gaming environments where kids are most vulnerable today.We do this by detecting early warning signs, training professionals, and supporting real-world operations alongside law enforcement.The threats facing kids have evolved.Predators aren’t just in the physical world anymore, they operate in games, chats, and platforms kids use every day.Zero Wake exists to meet that threat where it actually lives - before it becomes irreversible. ·    Keith and contacts are building a valuable resource for the public and statutory agencies that resembles a forensic library of support and information showingSo far there is a lack of understanding of the size and level of threat. Keith estimates that in the US there are 36 million reports annually and these , although not all cases at least one in five children have been approached in the online gaming industry.Identify early warning signs of grooming and exploitation·       -Monitor patterns in gaming and online communities·        Build tools like SONAR to detect risk signals early·        Educate parents, platforms, and communities·       Support active investigations and interdictions·       Work alongside task forces and partners·       Assist in identifying victims and perpetrators·       Operate quietly — no headlines, just results The range of work Keith is involved with is impressive alongside the current project helping to make online games safer for young people.·       1. Technology Development (SONAR)Building detection tools for early warning signalsData analysis systems for online environmentsPlatform infrastructure and security·       2. Training ProgramsDeveloping and delivering courses to law enforcement & partnersMaterials, instructors, and certification programs·       3. Operational SupportSupporting real investigations and field effortsTravel, coordination, and case-related resources·       4. Core Team (Lean, Mission-Focused)Experts actively working cases, building systems, and training othersNot a bloated org — a working unitKeith has joined with Larry Cameron, my previous guest, in helping create the safeguarding project to make online games much safer for children. This is just a perfect example of collaboration, and we need so much more of it across the board as the threat to children in all spheres becomes an increasing worry. [email protected] Linked In profile linkedin.com/in/keith-waggoner