Child Abuse Images Skyrocket in London: 2,780 Crimes Recorded in 2023/24
The Metropolitan Police logged a shocking 2,780 child sexual abuse image crimes in London during 2023/24. This grim statistic exposes a growing crisis of online child exploitation sweeping the capital.
National Nightmare: Over 38,000 Offences Across England and Wales
New data from the Home Office reveals this is just the tip of the iceberg, with 38,685 such offences recorded England and Wales last year — that’s more than 100 child sexual abuse image crimes every single day.
Private Messaging Apps Under Fire
The NSPCC has sounded the alarm over private messaging apps as a primary vehicle for sharing illegal content. A recent Freedom of Information request found:
- 50% of offences occurred on Snapchat
- 11% on Instagram
- 7% on Facebook
- 6% on WhatsApp
Encrypted messaging services are making it nearly impossible for police and tech firms to detect and remove this vile content. Campaigners are demanding harsher regulations to close these dangerous loopholes.
Charities Slam Ofcom’s Weak Code of Practice
Leading child protection charities — including the NSPCC, Marie Collins Foundation, and Barnardo’s — have written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle. They slam Ofcom’s illegal harms code published in December 2024 for failing to protect kids on private messaging platforms.
The current rules only require illegal content to be removed where “technically feasible,” creating a loophole letting tech companies off the hook from robust safety measures. The NSPCC urges the government to toughen these regulations and force encryption services to build in stronger child safeguarding protocols.
Children Blackmailed on Messaging Apps
Childline recorded 903 counselling sessions last year involving children threatened or blackmailed with private images — a 7% rise on 2022/23.
“I sent nude pics and videos to a stranger I met on Snapchat. I think he’s in his thirties. I told him I didn’t want to send any more pictures but he started threatening me, saying he’d post them online. I feel angry and lonely, but scared to tell my friends.” — 13-year-old girl
NSPCC Chief Demands Tech Giants Take Responsibility
Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, blasted tech companies for ignoring their duty to protect children online:
“It is deeply alarming to see thousands of child sexual abuse image crimes continue to be recorded. These offences cause tremendous harm and distress, with much of this illegal material being shared repeatedly.”
“In 2025, it’s an outrage that tech companies still shirk responsibility by exploiting loopholes on private messaging services.”
“The government must take a bold stance, hold tech giants to account, and ensure proper safeguards are in place—even if it means changing how platforms work. No more excuses.”
What Happens Next?
The UK Government faces stiff pressure to revisit online safety laws and demand far tougher accountability from tech firms. The NSPCC continues to push for stronger rules on social and messaging apps, as victims and families urge urgent action before more children fall victim.
If you suspect online child exploitation, report it immediately to the police on 101 or contact Childline at 0800 1111.
