In a powerful address at the United Nations, actress, activist, and digital policy leader Uldouz Wallace took the international stage to call for urgent action on global digital safety. Speaking before leaders from the European Union, African Union, the Spotlight Initiative, and UN representatives, Wallace delivered a passionate plea for proactive, survivor-centered legislation that stops online abuse before it happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Wallace, the founder of Foundation RA and creator of the groundbreaking PROTECT Act, made it clear that reactive laws are not enough. \u201cWhy are we calling it a win when child sexual abuse material gets uploaded and taken down\u2014when it should have never been allowed online in the first place?\u201d she asked the room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From Survivor to Global Reformer<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Wallace\u2019s authority stems not just from her work, but her lived experience. After surviving the 2014 iCloud hack\u2014alongside high-profile figures like Jennifer Lawrence and Kate Upton\u2014Wallace transformed her trauma into purpose. She created Foundation RA, the first real-time legal and takedown support nonprofit for image-based abuse victims, and became a legislative force behind digital safety reform in California and Massachusetts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Panel of Powerhouses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Onstage, Wallace stood beside Amanda Nguyen, founder of RISE and TIME 100 honoree, and Cecilia Su\u00e1rez, celebrated Mexican actress and UN advocate. Their presence highlighted the significance of the moment: three influential women leading the charge on behalf of survivors worldwide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But Wallace\u2019s message stood out for its focus on prevention. While others advocate for takedown systems after harm occurs, she emphasized that digital platforms must verify age and consent before uploads, especially on adult sites. This is the foundation of the PROTECT Act\u2014a bill designed not as a PR move, but as a true preventative measure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The PROTECT Act Goes Global<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Wallace also announced that efforts are underway to expand the PROTECT Act internationally, working with lawmakers across borders. \u201cThis is no longer a U.S. issue,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s a world issue. Online abuse doesn\u2019t stop at borders\u2014so our protections can\u2019t either.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Her call for international accountability and digital infrastructure reform marks a turning point in the global conversation. No longer satisfied with delayed responses to harm, Wallace is building a system designed to shield the next generation before they\u2019re ever exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Voice the World Can\u2019t Ignore<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n More than a speech, Wallace\u2019s appearance at the UN was a declaration of global leadership. With her unique combination of survivor strength and policy expertise, she\u2019s become one of the most respected voices in the fight for digital safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As international momentum builds, Uldouz Wallace stands at the forefront\u2014turning pain into power, and vision into law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019d like to support Uldouz Wallace, her nonprofit Foundation RA, or the global expansion of the PROTECT Act, your contribution can help make real change possible. www.foundationra.com<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n