“Imagine your darkest moments exposed to an unknown number of people. Then imagine strangers watching your pain for sexual satisfaction. That’s what happens for some of the children whose abuse images we see online."
New data published by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) shows girls are at increasing risk online.
IWF warns full effects of lockdown are only now becoming apparent as younger children are groomed into sexual abuse online.
Learn how IWF combats sexually coerced extortion, a growing online threat where children are blackmailed using intimate images.
Our 2025 Annual Data & Insights Report analyses the rise of sexually coerced extortion. Explore the latest trends and data on this persistent online harm.
Sherry Malik is a Trustee for the Internet Watch Foundation.