Safeguarding & Protection Framework - Model ID

Preamble

The International Modeling Foundation (IMF) is committed to safeguarding the physical, emotional, legal, and digital safety of all individuals participating in or affected by the modeling ecosystem. This Safeguarding & Protection Framework forms part of the IMF's governance framework and is directly linked to the IMF Statutes, Bylaws, and Ethical Charter. All IMF Board Members, members, and certified partners are required to adhere to this framework as a condition of membership and governance participation. This document includes the Underage Model Protection Protocol, which sets forth additional safeguards for models aged 16–17.

1Definitions

Abuse: Any act causing harm (physical, emotional, sexual, or digital).

Harassment: Unwanted behavior that demeans, threatens, or offends.

Exploitation: Using someone's labor, body, image, or rights unfairly or without consent.

Consent: Freely given agreement to engage in specific activities or roles.

Power Dynamics: Unequal relationships that can lead to coercion or fear of speaking out.

Digital Likeness: Any AI-generated, manipulated, or synthetic representation of a model's appearance.

Minor / Underage Model: Any model aged 16–17 who is eligible for representation through IMF-certified agencies with signed parent or guardian consent.

2Safeguarding Principles

Do no harm.
Victim-first approach.
Confidentiality and neutrality.
Transparency and accountability.
Prevention-focused, not reactive.

3Certification Requirements

All certified agencies must demonstrate that relevant staff have completed safeguarding training appropriate to their role. Evidence of training may be requested during certification review or audit.
Entities must sign IMF's safeguarding agreement and submit to potential audits.
Safeguarding standards are a condition of certification and renewal.
Agencies representing minors must have an approved minor representation policy as part of their IMF certification, including demonstrating safeguarding training and compliance with the Underage Model Protection Protocol (Section 8).

4Reporting & Complaints

Complaints can be submitted through the IMF platform or anonymously.
All reports are triaged within 48 hours and reviewed by the Safeguarding Officer.
Survivors may choose between IMF-only action or legal/police involvement.
Specialized protocols apply to sexual violence, minors, and cross-border issues.
Retaliation against anyone making a report is strictly prohibited and may result in immediate decertification.
Guardians and models (including minors) are encouraged to report misconduct via the IMF complaint mechanism. All reports are handled confidentially.

5Investigation Process

1Evidence and testimonies collected confidentially.
2Legal coordination if required.
3Timeline of updates provided to survivor.
4Interim protective measures may include platform bans or booking suspensions.

6Disciplinary Measures

1Warning points issued per violation (points-based system). Each violation carries a defined point value based on severity.

2Automatic suspension of certification upon reaching 7 out of 7 points.

3Permanent revocation of certification for serious or repeated violations.

4Public delisting from the Model ID verification tool for serious violations.

5Violations involving minors may result in immediate and permanent revocation of IMF certification.

7Special Protocols

Rape & Sexual Violence

Confidential investigation and coordination with relevant authorities where required. Reports are treated with urgency and the certified party may be suspended pending investigation.

Underage Model Safeguarding

Enhanced protections under the Underage Model Protection Protocol (Section 8), including mandatory guardian presence, restricted working conditions, and immediate escalation procedures.

AI & Digital Impersonation

Protocols for unauthorized AI-generated likenesses, deepfakes, and digital twins created without consent. Includes takedown procedures and platform notification.

Online Harassment & Digital Misuse

Coverage of cyberbullying, non-consensual image sharing, doxxing, and coordinated online attacks targeting models or industry professionals.

Third-Party Creative Misconduct

Protocols for addressing misconduct by photographers, stylists, makeup artists, and other creatives during bookings or productions.

Unethical Contract & Hidden Fees

Investigation of predatory contract terms, undisclosed fees, unfair commission structures, and financial exploitation of models.

8Underage Model Protection Protocol

The protection of minors is a non-negotiable priority. The following standards and safeguards apply to all underage models (ages 16–17) across all certified modeling activities. Models under the age of 16 may not be represented or assigned commercial jobs through IMF-certified entities.

8.1Age Eligibility

Models aged 16–17 are eligible for representation and work through IMF-certified agencies, with signed consent from their parent or legal guardian.
Models under the age of 16 may not be represented or assigned commercial jobs through IMF-certified entities.

8.2Consent Requirements

A signed Parent/Guardian Consent Form must be submitted prior to any booking.
A Chaperone Consent Form must be completed if a guardian or representative is to accompany the model on any assignment involving overnight stays, travel, or sensitive content.
Guardian contact details and standing permissions must be reviewed annually or when circumstances change.
Digital consent (e.g., for AI training, digital twins) requires separate, explicit guardian approval.

8.3Work Limitations

Models may not be asked to pose nude, semi-nude, or in any sexualized context, regardless of guardian consent.
They must not be required to work past 10 PM or before 6 AM. With written guardian approval, hours may extend to 11 PM but in no case past midnight or before 6 AM, regardless of guardian consent.
All modeling jobs must include scheduled breaks and meals. As a minimum: a 15-minute break every 2 hours and a proper meal break every 4 hours. Local labor laws apply where they set higher standards.
Maximum working hours: 8 hours per day for minor models (aged 16–17), including travel, fittings, and waiting time. Local labor laws apply where they set lower limits.

8.4Chaperone Requirements

For assignments involving nudity (of others), or overnight stays, a guardian or designated chaperone must be present.
Chaperones must be pre-approved by the guardian and vetted by the agency.
They must not be individuals in direct authority over the model (e.g., primary agent or employer), unless explicitly approved.
If the chaperone is an agency representative, the agency must be IMF-certified with an approved minor representation policy.

8.5Accommodation & Travel

For international stays, parents must receive contact details of the agency, host family, or accommodation provider.
Models must be housed with others of a similar age and self-identified gender, unless a different arrangement is approved by the guardian.
Transportation must be arranged or verified by the agency for unreasonable hours (late night or early morning) or upon request from the model or guardian.
Minors must never be housed with unrelated adults without explicit guardian approval.

8.6Non-Sexualized Content Guidelines

The following must be avoided in any assignment involving underage models:

Lingerie, implied nudity, or provocative attire
Suggestive or seductive poses (arched back, parted lips, gaze implying sexual invitation)
Use of props, settings, or narrative themes that mimic adult sexual behavior or relationships

Permissible content includes commercial, fashion, lifestyle, editorial, and age-appropriate promotional campaigns.

8.7Clarification on Swimwear Work

Swimwear or similar attire may be permitted for underage models (ages 16–17) under strict conditions:

The imagery must remain non-sexualized as defined by this protocol
Written guardian consent must be obtained prior to the assignment
The shoot must align with age-appropriate commercial or fashion industry standards
Examples: catalog-style swimwear shoots or age-appropriate brand campaigns that prioritize the model's dignity and safety

8.8Digital Rights & AI Protections

No AI training data may be collected from underage models without explicit guardian consent.
Digital twins of minors are prohibited.
Any digital manipulation of images must be disclosed to the guardian.
Usage rights for digital content must be time-limited and clearly defined.

9Safeguarding Awareness

Certified agencies are responsible for ensuring their staff understand and comply with this safeguarding policy.
Evidence of safeguarding training for relevant staff may be requested during certification review, renewal, or audit.
All certified parties should be aware of how to report safeguarding concerns through the Model ID platform.

10Privacy & Data Protection

All personal data handled under GDPR and applicable Dutch and EU data protection regulations.
Secure systems must be in place to store and manage data.
No sharing of personal information without consent.
Digital likeness data requires explicit, revocable consent.

11Monitoring & Review

IMF conducts annual safeguarding audits.
Anonymous feedback channels for models.
Yearly publication of a safeguarding impact report.

Framework Adoption

By adopting this framework, agencies commit to implementing these standards — including the Underage Model Protection Protocol where applicable — within their organization and cooperating with IMF monitoring and review processes.

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