The NSPCC has warned that the coronavirus lockdown has created a 'perfect storm' for online child abuse, as children spend more time on the internet and tech firms reduce moderation staff. The charity said abusers are exploiting the shortage of moderators who combat sexual abuse online, combined with children being increasingly lonely or anxious due to the pandemic.
Europol has reported increased online activity by those seeking child abuse material. The NSPCC noted that Facebook and other tech companies have scaled back human moderators, relying more on artificial intelligence. However, AI may not be sufficient to identify and take swift action on the most harmful content, the charity said.
Andy Burrows, head of child safety online policy at the NSPCC, said: 'The impact of the coronavirus lockdown has increased online risks and brewed a perfect storm for offenders to abuse children.' He urged tech firms to prioritise protecting children and to share data on referrals to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC).
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) also expects a rise in public reports of child sexual abuse material during the pandemic. Its chief executive, Susie Hargreaves, said: 'More people alone in their homes and more people spending longer online sadly means we are likely to see more people stumbling across criminal material.'
The NSPCC advised parents to have regular conversations with their children about online safety and to reassure them they can come forward with any worries.
