As risks and incidents of violence in the digital space become increasingly common, knowing where to seek help can make all the difference. The Portuguese helpline Linha Internet Segura (LIS) chatbot was created precisely to address this need: a new digital tool designed to support, inform and guide those facing online problems in an immediate, accessible and confidential manner.
Taking the first step is not always easy. Fear of judgement, difficulty in discussing what happened, the need for anonymity, or simply uncertainty about what to do can make this moment even more challenging. This is where LIS chatbot plays a particularly important role: offering a safe, discreet entry point, available at any time.
More than just a technological tool, this chatbot provides access to reliable information, helps users better understand their situation, identify available support, and recognise possible courses of action. All of this is offered while respecting each person’s pace, with full privacy and without pressure.
LIS chatbot is intended not only for victims, but also for family members, friends and others seeking guidance on how to help. In many cases, the first need is not yet a formal report or direct contact with a specialised technical service. It is, above all, to understand, gain confidence and find clear information. This resource addresses precisely that initial stage.
Its mission is simple yet essential: to inform, guide, and refer. It does not replace specialised human support, nor does it aim to automate care. On the contrary, it was developed to complement the technical work already provided by LIS, serving as an innovative and safe solution that brings more people closer to the help they may need.
Available 24 hours a day, every day of the week, and with multilingual support, the LIS chatbot strengthens response capacity at a time when the demand for reliable, accessible support channels tailored to people’s real needs is increasing.
The responses are generated using artificial intelligence, based on content produced and validated by the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV), with the technological component provided through the Azure OpenAI service. The result is a tool built with a focus on trust, safety, and responsible innovation.
Integrated into the work of LIS, a service coordinated by APAV within the scope of Centro Internet Segura (part of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre), this tool represents another step towards strengthening a safer and more informed digital environment, and forms part of a European strategy to promote a safer online environment and responsible innovation in digital support services.
Because asking for help is not always easy. But taking the first step can now be simpler.
About Linha Internet Segura (LIS)
LIS is a service provided by Centro Internet Segura (part of SIC Portugal), which aims to offer direct and immediate support to people facing online risks or problems. Through its helpline, LIS listens, informs, guides, and refers people to the relevant authorities when necessary.
LIS, coordinated by APAV, is available to provide support via 800 21 90 90 on working days between 8:00 and 23:00, by email at linhainternetsegura@apav.pt, or through the reporting form.
Find more information about the work of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
As risks and incidents of violence in the digital space become increasingly common, knowing where to seek help can make all the difference. The Portuguese helpline Linha Internet Segura (LIS) chatbot was created precisely to address this need: a new digital tool designed to support, inform and guide those facing online problems in an immediate, accessible and confidential manner.
Taking the first step is not always easy. Fear of judgement, difficulty in discussing what happened, the need for anonymity, or simply uncertainty about what to do can make this moment even more challenging. This is where LIS chatbot plays a particularly important role: offering a safe, discreet entry point, available at any time.
More than just a technological tool, this chatbot provides access to reliable information, helps users better understand their situation, identify available support, and recognise possible courses of action. All of this is offered while respecting each person’s pace, with full privacy and without pressure.
LIS chatbot is intended not only for victims, but also for family members, friends and others seeking guidance on how to help. In many cases, the first need is not yet a formal report or direct contact with a specialised technical service. It is, above all, to understand, gain confidence and find clear information. This resource addresses precisely that initial stage.
Its mission is simple yet essential: to inform, guide, and refer. It does not replace specialised human support, nor does it aim to automate care. On the contrary, it was developed to complement the technical work already provided by LIS, serving as an innovative and safe solution that brings more people closer to the help they may need.
Available 24 hours a day, every day of the week, and with multilingual support, the LIS chatbot strengthens response capacity at a time when the demand for reliable, accessible support channels tailored to people’s real needs is increasing.
The responses are generated using artificial intelligence, based on content produced and validated by the Portuguese Association for Victim Support (APAV), with the technological component provided through the Azure OpenAI service. The result is a tool built with a focus on trust, safety, and responsible innovation.
Integrated into the work of LIS, a service coordinated by APAV within the scope of Centro Internet Segura (part of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre), this tool represents another step towards strengthening a safer and more informed digital environment, and forms part of a European strategy to promote a safer online environment and responsible innovation in digital support services.
Because asking for help is not always easy. But taking the first step can now be simpler.
About Linha Internet Segura (LIS)
LIS is a service provided by Centro Internet Segura (part of SIC Portugal), which aims to offer direct and immediate support to people facing online risks or problems. Through its helpline, LIS listens, informs, guides, and refers people to the relevant authorities when necessary.
LIS, coordinated by APAV, is available to provide support via 800 21 90 90 on working days between 8:00 and 23:00, by email at linhainternetsegura@apav.pt, or through the reporting form.
Find more information about the work of the Portuguese Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
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