Child sexual abuse increasing and becoming more complex

The policing leads for child sexual abuse (CSA) in the UK have warned that technological advances have increased the opportunities for offenders to sexually abuse children. Online platforms and increased use of artificial intelligence have meant that child sexual abuse has become more severe, more accessible, and more complex.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) have said that unprecedented levels of law enforcement have been brought to bear to tackle sexual abuse cases. An average of 1,000 potential offenders have been arrested each month. However, new technologies such as generative AI image creation tools and end-to-end encryption of messages are making enforcement much more challenging.

The NCA have noted that the scale and prevalence of CSA threats has increased in severity and complexity over recent years, with protection of children at a critical level and one of the most significant threats across the UK. The online threat has also diversified, with livestream sexual abuse of children offered on demand for as little as £20.

Statistically, potential offenders are in every community and victims in every school, the NCA has said. Behind every CSA image and video is a child who has been exploited, and there is increasing evidence that links viewing such material with going on to abuse in person.

The NCA and Policing leads are campaigning for Ofcom to strengthen its use of powers in the Online Safety Act by Ofcom to hold companies to account if they are not compliant, as well as support to enforce penalties for non-compliance.

The Director of General Operations at the NCA, Rob Jones, said: “Over the last five years, we have continually said that the use of technology is increasing the opportunities for child sex offenders, and the risk to children and young people. We have seen some improvements by tech companies, but it’s nowhere near what’s actually needed to protect children in this day and age.”

“On a daily basis, officers… are assessing some of the most obscene child abuse imaginable,” he continued. “And this is not hidden in the dark web – it’s being shared on social media and is accessible on the clear web as well for anyone to see.”

Temporary Chief Constable, Becky Riggs, who is the lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation, commented: “Child sexual abuse and exploitation is a societal threat, and it requires a societal response. Policing will continue to lead the fight against offenders, but education, prevention and partnership are just as essential. Together, we can create the safer spaces our children deserve.”

Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, Jess Phillips, added: “The scale of child sexual abuse and exploitation in this country is horrific, whether online, at home, or within depraved criminal gangs, and this government is using every lever at our disposal to fight it.”