The latest data from the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) reveals a record rise in UK children reporting online sexual extortion, with the Report Remove service now handling an average of nine cases a week. In 2025, the helpline saw a 66% increase in self-reports from under‑18s, confirming 1,175 cases involving harmful imagery — more than a third linked to sexually coerced extortion. Criminals are increasingly exploiting young people’s nude imagery to demand money, further content, or compliance, often using aggressive threats and personal information to create fear and control. Report Remove, run by the IWF in partnership with Childline, allows young people to block or remove nude images of themselves from the internet — even before they are shared. The majority of sextortion cases involved boys aged 14–17, highlighting a growing trend in targeted online abuse. Childline counsellors continue to support children facing blackmail, fear, and isolation. The service remains free, confidential, and available to any young person worried about their imagery being shared online.
The National Crime Agency estimates there to be between 550,000 and 850,000 people in the UK who pose varying forms of sexual risk to children.
The Queen used her speech at the state opening of Parliament to reaffirm the Government's commitment to develop legislation to make the internet safer for children and "vulnerable" users.
The UK’s Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) and the USA’s National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) announce a landmark agreement to better protect children whose sexual abuse images are shared and traded on the internet.
Expert analysts have taken action against 200,000 websites containing child sexual abuse material
The findings will be ‘invaluable’ in turning the tide on the threat children are facing from online predators.
A "pioneering" new partnership between the Internet Watch Foundation and MindGeek will offer a blueprint for how the adult industry can help in the fight against child sexual abuse material online.
New pilot shows way for smaller platforms to play big part in online safety.