Tech Fuels UK Child Abuse Surge: 1,000 Paedos Arrested Monthly

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has reported a significant surge in child sexual abuse across the UK. Approximately 1,000 suspects are arrested each month, and the number of children rescued from harm has risen by 50% in the last five years. This alarming growth is attributed to technology and radicalization within online forums.

Mainstream social media platforms are a primary channel for contact with children. Algorithms can promote paedophilic material to users who have previously shown interest. The NCA's director general of operations, Rob Jones, expressed grave concern, noting a tenfold increase in leads about individuals interested in child abuse over a decade.

Offenders are collaborating on the dark web while using the open web to find vulnerable children. Police are working to apprehend the worst offenders, who often hold positions of trust. Jones emphasized that tech companies could do more to remove known abusive images, stating current efforts are insufficient despite the Online Safety Act.

While some platforms are more effective than others, the growth of end-to-end encryption poses challenges. The NCA highlighted that livestreamed sexual abuse can be purchased online for as little as £20. Law enforcement is frustrated by the perceived lack of action from tech companies, whose cooperation is crucial for processing thousands of annual leads.