Child sexual abuse is increasing in severity, complexity and accessibility, warn policing leads

Developments in technology such as generative AI image creation tools and the continued rollout of end-to-end encryption, combined with the significant increase in reports into law enforcement of alleged online abuse, mean that the protection and safeguarding of children is now at a critical level.

The National Crime Agency (NCA) says the scale and prevalence of the CSA threat has “increased in severity and complexity” over the years.

“It can occur in any community and across all social backgrounds. It remains one of the most significant threats across the UK,” the NCA added.

“Statistically, potential offenders are in every community and victims in every school.

“The threat has diversified too – we have seen offenders commissioning the livestream sexual abuse of children on demand for as little as £20. The financially motivated sexual extortion (FMSE) of primarily young boys is increasing. And the trend of online ‘communities’ – known as Com networks, where members share and promote increasingly sadistic material – continues to cause significant harm.

“But this is not simply offending that confines itself to the online environment. Not only is there a vulnerable child that has been exploited behind every image and every video, but there is increasing evidence that demonstrates the link between the viewing of CSA material and contact abuse.”

Despite these challenges, the NCA says law enforcement is more joined up than ever with officers making more arrests than ever before.

In 2024, police forces recorded approximately 123,000 CSA offences, with indecent image of children (IIOC) offences becoming the most prevalent offence type, accounting for 29 per cent of all CSA reported crime. And over the past two years, tech companies have consistently identified and reported significantly more CSA material – both AI and non-AI generated – on their platforms.

Officers are seeing more severe images in the reports being received – with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reporting in 2023 that detections of Category A images (the most severe) have doubled since 2017.

New data released last month by the IWF shows 2025 was the worst year on record for online child sexual abuse material found by its analysts, with increasing levels of photo-realistic AI material contributing to the “dangerous” levels.

Analysts have also seen a “frightening” 26,362 per cent rise in photo-realistic AI videos of child sexual abuse, often including real and recognisable child victims. In 2025, the IWF discovered 3,440 AI videos of child sexual abuse compared with only 13 in 2024.

Kerry Smith, Chief Executive of the IWF, said: “The frightening rise in extreme Category A videos of AI generated child sexual abuse shows the kind of things criminals want. And it is dangerous. Easy availability of this material will only embolden those with a sexual interest in children, fuel its commercialisation, and further endanger children both on and offline.”

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 20 million reports of suspected online child sexual exploitation (from tech companies) in 2024, with more than 19 million reports relating to the making, possessing and distributing indecent images of children.

And this increase in reports to NCMEC has led to the NCA’s Child Sexual Exploitation Referrals Bureau (CSERB) receiving on average 1,700 reports a week of alleged child abuse on online platforms.

The NCA and policing partners are arresting an average of 1,000 potential offenders each month and safeguarded approximately 1,200 children.

During a single week in January, the NCA and forces across the UK arrested 252 people (118 were charged), safeguarded 407 children and 35 individuals were sentenced at court.

“This is not a one off – this level of action is taking place every week,” the NCA said.

The NCA and policing colleagues have strengthened their response through enhanced intelligence sharing, specialist investigative support and improving national capabilities.

But arrests and operational activity are only one part of the solution, the NCA said.

Law enforcement, in partnership with government agencies and third sector victim support organisations are making significant strides in tackling child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSAE), combining innovative technology, enhanced investigative capability, and a stronger focus on victim-centred practice.

Over the next 12 months, police forces will benefit from the Tackling Organised Exploitation (TOEX) Programme’s Capabilities Environment – a secure platform already proven to speed up investigative processes and free up frontline resources to ensure policing is better equipped than ever to disrupt offenders and prevent harm.

Trauma‑informed practice is now firmly embedded across frontline and specialist teams, ensuring investigations minimise re‑traumatisation and build trust with victims. The NCA’s CEOP Education Programme offers this support, underpinned by intelligence from the NCA, research and direct engagement with children and young people.

The creation of the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) has further strengthened the national response by unifying expertise, evidence-based guidance and multi‑agency coordination.

“Together, these developments are driving faster, higher-quality investigations, more consistent safeguarding, and a more supportive experience for victims and survivors – demonstrating the tangible and growing impact of policing in confronting CSAE,” the NCA said.

Research shows that children who experience sexual abuse are at least three times more likely to attempt suicide. Shockingly of those sexually abused as a child, more than half (58 per cent) will experience domestic abuse as an adult, with a quarter experiencing rape or assault by penetration (including attempts). It is the victims and survivors of these “most abhorrent crimes” who are at the centre of our commitment to disrupt and prevent, said the NCA.

The NCA and policing leads are also urging strengthened use of the powers in the Online Safety Act (OSA) by Ofcom to hold companies to account if they are not compliant, as they have done recently with ‘X’.

“There should be support to enforce penalties for non-compliance,” the NCA said. “And the development of prevention initiatives to deter adults and young people who are at risk of sexually abusing a child should be prioritised, alongside funding for offender management to help deter offending before it happens.

“And prevention initiatives to deter adults and young people who are at risk of sexually abusing a child must be developed and expanded. Funding for offender management should be increased to help deter offending before it happens.”

Rob Jones, Director General Operations at the NCA, 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 at the NCA and across policing are assessing some of the most obscene child abuse imaginable. 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.

“The response to the continual CSA threat cannot be one for policing alone – a whole‑system approach is the only way to protect children effectively.  We all owe it to our children not to be a bystander – now is the time to really make a difference”

T/Chief Constable Becky Riggs, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Child Protection and Abuse Investigation, added: “Every child deserves to feel safe and protected, wherever they are – and that must include the online spaces where they learn, play and connect with others. Policing is relentless in pursuing those who seek to harm children, and we will continue to target offenders at national, regional and local levels. But enforcement alone will never be enough. We all have a responsibility to build a safer digital world for our young people.

“A vital part of that is education. Children and young people need to understand the risks they may encounter online, and they must be empowered to make safer choices. Just as importantly, the trusted adults around them – parents, carers, teachers, youth workers – need clear, accessible guidance so they can recognise the signs of harm, have open conversations, and know where to turn for help.

“At the same time, the tech sector has a crucial role to play. We need technology companies to act with urgency to make their platforms hostile environments for offenders. That means developing and implementing solutions that prevent children from taking, sharing or viewing nude images online, improving the detection of child sexual abuse material, and ensuring platforms are built safer by design.

“CSAE 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.”

Jess Phillips, Minister for Safeguarding and Violence against Women and Girls, said the scale of CSAE was “horrific”, whether online, at home, or within “depraved criminal gangs”, and the Government was “using every lever at its disposal to fight it”.

“We are funding a network of undercover officers online and a dedicated police taskforce to disrupt crimes, catch offenders and protect children,” she said. “In addition, the Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs and Operation Beaconport will work hand in hand to get justice for survivors.

“Interventions as part of Operation Croft mean more children saved and more perpetrators off the streets.”