Technology · 15 May 2026
Childline sees 36% rise in online sexual blackmail
Unsplash / Thomas Park
Children are increasingly facing online blackmail threats involving their sexual images. The NSPCC's Childline service recorded a 36% rise in contacts about online sexual abuse and exploitation last year, driven by blackmail. These threats often involve financial "sextortion" or using AI to create explicit images; 2,444 related sessions occurred by 31 March.
Reported by Guardian · How we write briefs