The NSPCC says new figures show that child abuse image crimes increased by 25% in 2022-23.
The national children’s charity obtained data from UK police forces which revealed that police recorded more than 33,000 child abuse image crimes last year. These included offences where images were collected and distributed.
When comparing data to figures obtained in previous years, the NSPCC found a 25% increase in offences since 2021-22 and a massive 79% increase on the number of child abuse image crimes recorded five years ago.
The findings have prompted the charity to call on Ofcom to “act with greater ambition” and tech companies to take more action to keep children safe from abuse.
Widespread use of social media in child abuse image crimes
The NSPCC’s investigation into child abuse image crimes reveals:
- Snapchat was involved in almost half of the offences (44%) where the online platform was identified by police
- Instagram, Facebook and Whatsapp – all owned by Meta – were used in a quarter of offences where the platform was identified by police
They say that the evident widespread use of social media and messaging apps in child abuse image crimes is a result of the failure to build child safety features into these platforms.
Tech companies are being urged to take “swift and ambitious action to address what is currently happening on their platforms,” and stop them being used to organise, commit and share child abuse.
The NSPCC also wants Ofcom to “significantly strengthen” its procedures for tackling child abuse image crimes and enforce the Online Safety Act effectively.
It comes as the NSPCC’s confidential child helpline, Childline, reveals that young people are being targeted by adults to share child abuse images via social media. They have also heard how adults use end-to-end encrypted private messaging apps to find and share child sexual abuse images.
Tougher measures to tackle child abuse image crimes
Ofcom has already carried out a consultation on its proposals for how internet services should approach their new duties relating to illegal content.
The NSPCC is now calling for these measures to be introduced without delay and urging Ofcom to start work on a second version of the codes that will require tech companies to go much further to protect children. They want companies to be required to use technology that will help identify and tackle crimes such as grooming, sextortion and new child abuse images.
The charity also wants private messaging services to face tougher measures to make child protection a priority, including in end-to-end encrypted environments.
In particular, the NSPCC is concerned about Meta’s plans to rollout end-to-end encryption on Facebook and Instagram, fearing this will prevent police from being able to identify offenders and safeguard victims.
They are asking the tech giant to “pause its plans until it can prove child safety will not be compromised.”
Tech companies need to find a balance between protecting the safety of children ad defending the privacy of its users. And Ofcom needs to study Meta’s risk assessment as part of their new regulatory role.
The NSPCC’s Chief Executive, Sir Peter Wanless said the rise in child abuse image crimes was “alarming.”
He added:
“Behind these crimes are children who have been targeted by adults who are able to organise and share sexual abuse with other offenders seamlessly across social media and messaging apps.
“The Online Safety Act sets out robust measures to make children fundamentally safer on the sites and apps they use so they can enjoy the benefits of a healthy online experience.
“Ofcom has been quick off the blocks but must act with greater ambition to ensure companies prioritise child safety n the comprehensive way that is so desperately needed.”
Training to protect children
First Response Training (FRT) is a leading national training provider delivering courses in subjects such as health and safety, first aid, fire safety, manual handling, food hygiene, mental health, health and social care, safeguarding and more.
They work with a large number of early years, schools and childcare providers and children’s services. Their courses include Safeguarding Children.
A trainer from FRT says:
“Safeguarding children means protecting them off and online. It’s so important that we are mindful of the harms they could be exposed to online and that there are mechanisms in place to protect them, and to offer them help and support when they need it most.”
For more information on the training that FRT can provide, please call them today on freephone 0800 310 2300 or send an e-mail to info@firstresponsetraining.com.