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.
UK internet service provider Glide is aligning with the Internet Watch Foundation to help eliminate child sexual abuse material online
New Internet Watch Foundation data reveals a sharp rise in commercial child sexual abuse websites, with criminal gangs monetising children’s exploitation through subscription models and digital payments. The charity warns of systemic failures across online platforms, financial services and encrypted technologies that allow abuse to flourish. As reports of sexual extortion surge, particularly targeting boys, the IWF calls for stronger regulation of payment systems, encryption safeguards and decisive government action to disrupt the online economy of child sexual exploitation.
Our 2025 Annual Data & Insights Report analyses the rise of sexually coerced extortion. Explore the latest trends and data on this persistent online harm.
This new campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the gradual increase of child sexual abuse material and how it can be reported by the public in target countries.
Internet Watch Foundation is proudly adds name to two new campaigns focusing on improving the response to child sexual abuse in the EU
Every 5 Minutes our analysts in Cambridge find & remove an image or video online of a child suffering sexual abuse.
Government says it will take “concrete actions” to protect victims of child sexual abuse and exploitation .
13 organisations launch campaign to stop the spread of child sexual abuse material online
Discover how digital harms impact women and girls (VAWG) in our 2025 Annual Data & Insights Report. Trends in online violence and protective measures.
Alongside ICMEC, we are building capacity around child online protection internationally with capacity building events and the launch of IWF reporting portals.