The Metropolitan Police recorded 2,780 child sexual abuse image crimes in London in 2023/24, highlighting a growing concern over online exploitation and abuse.
The latest Home Office data reveals that this is part of a wider national crisis, with 38,685 such offences logged across England and Wales last year—averaging more than 100 child sexual abuse image crimes per day.
Concerns Over Private Messaging Apps
The NSPCC has raised alarm over the role of private messaging platforms in facilitating the distribution of child sexual abuse material. A separate Freedom of Information request by the charity found that:
These findings have intensified calls for tighter regulation of encrypted private messaging services, which make it difficult for law enforcement and tech companies to detect child abuse content.
Charities Call for Stronger Protections
In response to these alarming figures, the NSPCC, along with the Marie Collins Foundation, Lucy Faithfull Foundation, Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, and Barnardo’s, has written to Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Technology Secretary Peter Kyle.
Their letter criticizes Ofcom’s final Illegal Harms Code of Practice, published in December 2024, for failing to adequately protect children from abuse on private messaging platforms.
The NSPCC argues that the code allows services to remove illegal content only where it is ‘technically feasible’, creating a loophole that could let tech companies avoid implementing robust safety measures.
The charity is urging the UK Government to push Ofcom to strengthen its codes of practice and ensure that end-to-end encryption services include proper safeguards against child exploitation.
Children Blackmailed on Messaging Platforms
The dangers of private messaging apps have also been highlighted by Childline, which recorded 903 counselling sessions in 2023/24 with children facing online blackmail or threats to expose their private images—a 7% increase from the previous year.
One 13-year-old girl shared her terrifying experience with Childline:
“I sent nude pics and videos to a stranger I met on Snapchat. I think he’s in his thirties. I don’t know what to do next. I told him I didn’t want to send him any more pictures and he started threatening me, telling me that he’ll post the pictures online. I’m feeling really angry with myself and lonely. I would like support from my friends, but I don’t want to talk to them about it as I’m worried about being judged.”
NSPCC Chief: Tech Companies Must Be Held Accountable
Chris Sherwood, NSPCC Chief Executive, has called for urgent action to stop the spread of child sexual abuse images online:
“It is deeply alarming to see thousands of child sexual abuse image crimes continue to be recorded by the Metropolitan Police in London. These offences cause tremendous harm and distress to children, with much of this illegal material being repeatedly shared and viewed online.”
“It is an outrage that in 2025 we are still seeing a blatant disregard from tech companies to prevent this illegal content from proliferating on their sites. Having separate rules for private messaging services lets tech bosses off the hook from putting robust protections for children in place.
“The Government must take a bold stand against abuse on private messaging services and hold tech companies accountable for keeping children safe—even if it requires changes to platform design. There can be no excuse for inaction or delay.”
What’s Next?
The UK Government is now facing pressure to reassess online safety regulations and demand greater accountability from tech firms to stop criminals from using their platforms to exploit children.
The NSPCC continues to push for stronger safeguards on social media and messaging apps, while victims and their families urge the government to act swiftly before more children fall prey to online predators.
If you suspect online child exploitation, report it to the police on 101, or contact Childline at 0800 1111 for support.
