Child Abuse Image Crimes Over 3,400 in Scotland: New Data Revealed

Over 3,400 child sexual abuse image crimes were noted in Scotland. Charities want stronger safety guidelines from Ofcom.

Child Abuse Image Crimes Over 3,400 in Scotland: New Data Revealed
Child Abuse Image Crimes Over 3,400 in Scotland: New Data Revealed

Police data showed where abuse occurred online. Half the cases happened on Snapchat. A quarter took place on Meta apps.

Several charities wrote to a government official. They are worried about Ofcom’s safety guidelines. The guidelines came out in late 2014. These groups feel kids won’t be safe.

They see risks on private messaging apps. Protecting kids was a goal of the Online Safety Act. The NSPCC and other groups want action. They want the government to push for changes. They seek stronger safety rules from Ofcom now.

Police Scotland tracked abuse images for five years: 554 cases in 2018-19; 584 in 2019-20; 660 in 2020-21; 662 in 2021-22. Then 765 cases in 2022-23; and 748 in 2023-24.

The NSPCC’s leader finds this trend alarming. He says police recorded many offenses. These offences cause serious harm to children. The illegal material gets shared and viewed a lot.

He is shocked tech companies do little. They need to stop this content. It spreads quickly. He thinks different rules for messaging apps are wrong. They let tech companies avoid real protections. The Online Safety Act exists.

The government needs to take a firm stand. They must hold tech companies responsible. They must keep children safe online. Even platform changes are acceptable. No inaction is appropriate on their end now. A government spokesperson confirmed their view on exploitation. They called child abuse despicable and devastating.

UK law is clear on this issue. Social media is no exception here. Companies must block criminal activity on their sites. The government will fully use the Online Safety Act. They intend to make the UK safer online.

The spokesperson continues by saying that the government passed new laws. They are designed to fight abuse. Tech companies must not create loopholes. The government will protect children. An Ofcom speaker stated these measures must be doable.

Most platforms should remove bad content quickly. They will hold platforms accountable. Platforms must protect children by law. They need to check for abuse material. They must also report it to the police.

Scotland’s children’s minister also gave her input. The UK government handles internet rules directly. Scotland urged them to protect young people. She and another minister met with Ofcom. They stressed tech firms must make things safer. The First Minister spoke to tech companies too.

They will keep pushing for stronger protections. This supports the safety of children in Scotland.

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