Figures show a high number of child abuse image crimes logged by police forces across West Midlands. The NSPCC seeks better online safeguards.
The total number of such crimes was 3,801. The reports covered 2023 to 2024. The NSPCC wants better online protection for kids, focusing on private messaging apps.
The NSPCC asked police about the platforms for these crimes. Snapchat hosted 50 percent of these crimes, while Meta products were used in 25 percent. Instagram saw 11 percent, Facebook had 7 percent, and WhatsApp saw 6 percent. The NSPCC urges strong safeguards to protect children online.
Charities, including the NSPCC, the Marie Collins Foundation, and Barnardo’s, sent a letter to government officials, wanting action on online safety. The NSPCC also wants better rules for encrypted services, so these aren’t used by predators. Last year, Childline gave 903 counselling sessions, helping kids dealing with online blackmail.
Chris Sherwood, who leads the NSPCC, said the figures are alarming. Children face great harm from these crimes as illegal content spreads online. He stated tech companies aren’t doing enough and this blatant disregard is unacceptable.
Sherwood thinks private messaging rules are weak and feels leaders aren’t protecting kids. These crimes thrive on their platforms despite the Online Safety Act. The government must act boldly, hold tech companies responsible, and keep children safe online.