Online Child Abuse Soars Tenfold in UK, NSPCC Demands Action
The number of online child sexual abuse offences reported by police in England and Wales has skyrocketed over the last decade. Charity NSPCC reveals a chilling tenfold increase, with 42,503 cases of obscene publication and sexual grooming recorded last year—up from just 3,706 in 2013.
NSPCC Urges Tory Leaders: Pass Online Safety Bill Now
The NSPCC has fired off a letter to both Conservative leadership hopefuls, Liz Truss and Rishi Sunak, demanding they push the Online Safety Bill through without delay or watering down if they become Prime Minister.
Any further delay or dilution, the charity warns, would betray a crucial manifesto promise that enjoys strong public support. The Bill, originally set for debate last week, was postponed until the new PM takes office.
Online Safety Bill: Tougher Rules or Huge Fines for Tech Giants
The legislation aims to force social media firms and other platforms to protect users from harmful content. It would impose a strict duty of care and slap hefty fines or block sites that fail to comply.
The NSPCC calls the Bill a “wake-up call” for the next leader, pointing to the rising tide of grooming cases risking more children’s safety every day.
NSPCC Chief: Protect Kids, Keep the Promise
“As the clock on the Online Safety Bill ticks away, an increasing number of children and families face the unimaginable trauma of preventable child abuse,” said NSPCC chief Sir Peter Wanless.
“The need for legislation to protect children is clear; it has overwhelming support from MPs and the public, and it builds on the UK’s global leadership in tackling online harm.”
“Strong regulation can be delivered while protecting free expression and privacy. There can be no more important mission for government than keeping children safe from abuse. The next prime minister must keep the election manifesto promise and make the Online Safety Bill a national priority.”
