Criminal gangs profiting as child sexual abuse websites double, experts say
The number of commercial child sexual abuse websites has doubled in a year as experts say that criminal gangs are making “huge profits” from online sexual exploitation.According to data collected by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF), 15,031 commercial child sexual abuse sites were found in 2025, compared with 7,028 found in 2024, a 114% increase.An analyst who worked on the report but did not wish to be named said that this content exists “across all social media platforms” and is “very easy” to find.“I can find child sexual abuse content, the worst categories, category A content, which is penetration of children as young as babies on any social media platform in as little as one search term and two clicks,” said the analyst.“I think the public have this perception that this sort of material is hidden away in dark and dirty corners of the internet, but it’s not, it’s in plain sight.
”Kerry Smith, the chief executive of the IWF, said: “It is clear criminals are exploiting systemic failures and are finding it far too easy to reap huge profits from children’s sexual exploitation,“We need mandatory measures on financial services to proactively detect, take down and report digital payment links for the sale of images and videos of child sexual abuse,“We also need to see companies which use end-to-end encryption on their services adopt the tried and trusted safety tools which can prevent criminals using these platforms as safe havens to distribute child sexual abuse material,” Smith said,The report found that the amount of child sexual abuse sites where users were directly paying for content has increased from 2% in 2024 to 5% in 2025,The analyst said that the cost could start from $12 (£8.
90), up to $120 for the most extreme content.Of these commercial sites, 16% were disguised so that illegal content could be accessed through a pathway that shows as legal content when loaded directly on to a browser.The most common payment method was cryptocurrency, while money transfer services and card payments were also used.The analyst said that the money made from illegal content operated “like a pyramid scheme” through affiliate links.“The video channel is profiting because of the traffic that’s going through.
And then the person that’s posted the video will be profiting through all the clicks and the advertising through the affiliate schemes,” they continued,Researchers also found instances of perpetrators trying to determine victims’ locations so they could be exposed to other criminal users,The number of reports from young people under the age of 18 who have been the victim of sextortion – when a criminal threatens to publish nude or sexual imagery of a victim unless they comply with their demands – increased by 127% in 2025 compared with 2024,According to data collected from the Report Remove helpline, a free confidential service run by the IWF and the NSPCC, children as young as seven years old have self-reported sextortion,Chris Sherwood, the CEO at the NSPCC, said: “The growing number of commercial child sexual abuse sites uncovered by the Internet Watch Foundation lays bare a severe problem, with malicious criminal gangs profiting off children’s pain.
“We know young victims of sexual exploitation are often left defenceless and can face re-traumatisation knowing images of themselves continue to circulate online.This form of abuse demands urgent action.“Ofcom must use its powers and work with others to spot and disrupt these perpetrators at the source, before they impact more young lives.Equally, tech companies need to utilise existing technology that prevents children from taking, sharing, or receiving nude images.“Childline’s Report Remove service is here for any young person under 18 who wants to speak to a professional and confidentially report sexual images and videos of themselves.
Through the service, the IWF and Childline can help get these images removed and prevent them from being shared in the future,” Sherwood said.The NSPCC offers support to children on 0800 1111, and adults concerned about a child on 0808 800 5000.The National Association for People Abused in Childhood (Napac) offers support for adult survivors on 0808 801 0331.
‘On his own terms’: James Valentine chose assisted dying but barriers remain for Australians wanting to access it
When the beloved broadcaster and saxophonist James Valentine died this week it was on his terms – he was at home, surrounded by his family, after making the choice to use voluntary assisted dying (VAD).“Throughout his illness, James did it his way, which lasted all the way until the end,” his wife, Joanne, and two children, Ruby and Roy, said in a statement.“Both he and his family are grateful he was given the option to go out on his own terms.”As tributes flow for Valentine, advocates for VAD hope his loss will encourage the federal government to address structural barriers to accessing the end-of-life care that are preventing some Australians from doing the same.Every Australian jurisdiction excluding the Northern Territory has legalised VAD, which represents about 2% of all deaths, or 5% of cancer deaths
Nine in 10 UK voters across parties support right to abortion, poll finds
New polling has found that whatever their party political leanings, an overwhelming majority of people support the right to access an abortion – although young people, in particular, fear reproductive rights may be reduced.The YouGov polling, commissioned by MSI Reproductive Choices to mark its 50th anniversary, found nine in 10 people support the right to access an abortion.This was the case with 94% of Labour voters, 91% of Conservative voters, 95% of Green voters and 86% of Reform voters, pointing to one of the clearest indicators of cross-party political consensus in the UK.The survey also found almost one in five people think abortion access could be reduced, rising to more than a quarter of 18- to 25-year-olds. Respondents cited developments in the US and the rise of the far right as factors
Police and ombudsman investigate death of boy, 16, at young offender institution
Police and the prisons ombudsman are investigating the death of a 16-year-old boy who was being held at a young offender institution in south-west London.The boy was found unresponsive at Feltham YOI on Monday night. He was treated by paramedics before being taken to hospital but died shortly before midnight.Deaths of children in YOIs are rare: the most recent one in England or Wales before this week was in June 2019. A Metropolitan police spokesperson said: “At this stage, the death is being treated as unexpected
Breast reductions in UK overtake enlargements for first time, data shows
Breast reductions and implant removals have overtaken enlargements for the first time, data shows, as experts link the shift to more active lifestyles.The latest annual audit from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) shows there were 4,761 breast enlargement procedures in 2025, down 8% on the previous year.There were also 4,673 breast reduction procedures and 847 implant removals, with surgeons saying the trend reflects a growing shift toward comfort and more active lifestyles, alongside the rise of form-fitting “athleisure” clothing.They also noted an increase in procedures for the face, including facelifts and eyelid surgery. One of the fastest-growing procedures is the brow lift, which has surged 27% overall
Kathy Attawell obituary
My friend Kathy Attawell, who has died suddenly aged 65, dedicated herself to improving public health in developing countries. Her contributions to the HIV response, and to improving maternal and child health, saved the lives of thousands.I met Kathy on our first day at Exeter University in October 1978 – she was warm and funny, and her passion for social justice was infectious. Kathy’s strong principles led her to a career in health and international development. In the 1980s she focused on HIV and Aids, seeking to understand this new disease – its spread, prevention and treatment
Parents: have you noticed younger children wanting to try skincare products?
Children as young as two are appearing in TikTok videos demonstrating their skincare routines, a Guardian investigation has found, raising concerns about the beauty industry’s reach. Dermatologists say children do not need multi-step skincare and warn the trend may be fuelling anxiety about appearance from an early age.We want to hear from parents of children of primary school children or younger. Have your children asked for skincare products or felt pressure to follow routines they’ve seen online or heard about from friends? Have you noticed changes in how they think about their appearance? Do you have concerns?You can share your submission in the form below or by messaging us. We won't use your response without contacting you first
Chinese hackers using everyday devices to target UK firms, warns cybersecurity agency
Criminal gangs profiting as child sexual abuse websites double, experts say
Tesla reports mixed financial results as Musk pivots automaker to AI and robots
What is Mythos AI and why could it be a threat to global cybersecurity?
‘Get back to work’: Amazon faces fresh scrutiny over workplace safety record
Anthropic investigates report of rogue access to hack-enabling Mythos AI