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.
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.
Elliptic, a global leader in digital asset decisioning, has partnered with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) to strengthen efforts in preventing the financing of child sexual abuse images and videos through cryptocurrencies and blockchain infrastructure.
Explore how commercial disguised websites conceal child sexual abuse imagery behind legal content, complicating detection and takedown efforts.
Explore IWF's 2024 analysis of unique domains used to host child sexual abuse imagery, highlighting increases and commercial exploitation trends.
Explore IWF's 2024 findings on commercial websites distributing child sexual abuse imagery, including payment methods and efforts to disrupt such networks.
Analyse the commercial drivers of online harms in our 2025 Annual Data & Insights Report. Explore data on payment methods and commercial abuse models.
The National Crime Agency (NCA) has revealed it believes there are a minimum 300,000 individuals in the UK posing a sexual threat to children, either through physical “contact” abuse or online.
Internet Watch Foundation calls for partnership ahead of landmark Vatican conference.