We’re proud to announce that Solarus has officially achieved Operation IFAST Certification, marking an important milestone in our commitment to combating domestic sex trafficking and protecting vulnerable individuals in our communities.
According to the United Nations’ International Labour Organization, an estimated 27.6 million people fall victim to human trafficking worldwide. There is currently no reliable estimate of human trafficking within the United States, but has been reported in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, on Tribal land and within US territories.
Operation IFAST, Internet Service Providers Fight Against Sex Trafficking, is a national initiative led by Guardian Group , a nonprofit organization dedicated to disrupting and preventing the sex trafficking of women and children in the United States. IFAST is intended to raise awareness and train service providers to recognize warning signs of trafficking. Since its establishment in 2010, over 1700 victims have been identified through Guardian Group’s efforts.
The IFAST Certification Program is designed specifically for organizations whose employees work out in the field and interact directly with customers. Internet Service Providers and other contractors who enter a home have a unique perspective to see what others may not. The program gives a comprehensive overview of the following topics:
To become IFAST Certified, Solarus employees completed Guardian Group’s specialized training program, learning from real-world scenarios and expert instruction on identifying warning signs while performing everyday installations and service calls.
As an IFAST-certified organization, we recognize that combating human trafficking requires vigilance, collaborations and the responsible use of technology. Human trafficking remains a serious issues across the county, affecting individuals of all ages and backgrounds through forced labor and exploitation. While the Internet has been exploited by traffickers to recruit victims, advertise illegal services and conceal criminal activity, technology has also become an important tool in the fight against trafficking.
It enables organizations, law enforcement and companies like ours to identify suspicious activity, share critical information and protect vulnerable individuals. Our IFAST certification reflects our commitment to strengthening online safety, implementing responsible digital practices and contributing to a safer Internet.
“As a company rooted in Central Wisconsin, we care deeply about the safety and well-being of our communities,” said Jamey Lysne, CEO. “The Operation IFAST Certification aligns with our values by enabling us to take tangible steps through training, collaboration, and investment to help prevent trafficking and support those working to end this exploitation.”
We are honored to stand alongside Guardian Group and a growing network of companies nationwide who are taking bold action to help end human trafficking.
Learn more about Operation IFAST .