Calls for child abuse image blockers as crimes rise in North West
NSPCC demands immediate action to prevent increasing online offences
Last updated 17th Mar 2026
The NSPCC is calling on tech companies to implement technology that blocks the creation and sharing of child sexual abuse images after new figures show offences increased by 17% in the North West last year.
Almost 37,000 child sexual abuse image crimes were recorded by UK police forces between April 2024 and March 2025. A comparison of data from 42 out of 45 forces reveals a 9% rise in offences nationwide, according to the NSPCC.
In the North West, data from Cheshire Constabulary, Greater Manchester Police, Lancashire Police, and Merseyside Police showed a combined total of 5,238 crimes, marking a substantial increase from previous figures.
A significant portion of offences internationally took place on popular social media platforms, with Snapchat accounting for 43% of the 10,811 crimes where platforms were identified, and Meta's platforms like Instagram and WhatsApp constituting nearly 24%.
The NSPCC is urging for the immediate embedding of technology that blocks nude images on children's devices to curb potential abuse. The charity emphasizes that tech companies must prioritize the safety of children across all their platforms.
CEO Chris Sherwood stated: "It is utterly indefensible that around 100 child sexual abuse image offences are recorded every day. Tech companies are failing children who need protection online."
Sherwood continued, "Behind each offence is a child who suffers the trauma while tech giants profit. The technology to stop the sharing of these images exists, and it's beyond time to deploy it."
The charity insists that if voluntary action by companies falters, the Government should mandate such protections to safeguard children, fulfilling commitments made in the Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy.
In response to increasing reports, the NSPCC continues advocating for technological safeguards and collaborates with platforms to enhance online safety measures for young people.
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