The UK’s national crime agency is advocating for increased safeguards for youngsters on the internet, highlighting that over 90% of removed child sexual abuse material comprises content created by the victims themselves.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) disclosed this alarming information, emphasizing that the current online environment poses significant risks to children. They reported nearly 100,000 instances of online child sexual abuse in 2025, a substantial rise compared to six years ago.
Research suggests that approximately 840,000 adults in the UK present a sexual threat to minors, with cases involving children being lured by strangers on various online platforms. Noteworthy is a case where authorities identified 320 victims within a ‘sextortion’ network of 6,000 members.
In this scenario, perpetrators deceived schoolgirls into sending explicit photos, then threatened to circulate the images unless more were provided. The situation escalated to severe abuse, including degrading acts on live streams and instances of self-harm.
Director General Graeme Biggar of the NCA stated, “Our officers and law enforcement partners deal with distressing cases daily, revealing the unsafe nature of the current online space for children.
“The scale is astonishing; for instance, tech companies reported 400 suspected cases of online child sexual abuse in the UK each day last month. Not only are these cases increasing in number, but they are also becoming more severe and involving younger victims.”
He further added, “The exchange of nude images among children through devices, including encrypted services, facilitates various forms of child sexual abuse, such as grooming, financial extortion, and self-generated content.
“Implementing restrictions on children’s devices presents an opportunity to shield children and prevent certain forms of abuse at the root.”
The NCA’s advocacy for enhanced online protections for children follows Technology Secretary Liz Kendall’s separate call in the Sunday Mirror for urgent action to safeguard children.
Kendall mentioned that a ban on social media for those under 16 is under consideration, hinting at potential restrictions on popular apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram.
She expressed, “Parents have strongly responded, seeking assistance and guidance. While acknowledging the benefits of social media for kids, they are concerned about inappropriate content.
“The overwhelming response from parents, with nine out of ten supporting a social media ban for under 16s, underscores the depth of parental concern.”
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