Record amount of online child sexual abuse blocked as landmark Bill faces delays
Key legislation aimed at preventing online harms will return to Parliament next month following fears it could have been dropped altogether.
As Ofcom’s Illegal Harms Codes come into force, platforms are required to implement robust measures to protect users from CSAM and illegal content.
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.
Natterhub's Caroline Allams offers practical tips to help protect your children online
The IWF is calling for greater clarity on online harms as MPs warn new online safety legislation needs to be made more robust to help keep children safe online.
The IWF welcomed the new Bill, but said there needs to be greater clarity in how the Bill will be implemented.
New research commissioned by the Internet Watch Foundation shows that more than one in 10 British young people have been exposed to online child sexual abuse material
Speaking in the Lords, several Peers highlight the crucial work of the IWF and call for action from the Government to provide age-appropriate online safety advice.
The report acknowledges the IWF plays a central role in this area, and said the Government needs to provide more clarity about how Ofcom will work with organisations like the IWF.
The IWF has warned momentum must not be lost in the fight to protect children from predators and abusers online as key legislation suffers a delay in Parliament.
The IWF says delaying the Online Safety Bill will see more children victimised and sexually abused amid fears the long-awaited legislation is set to suffer another delay.