UN Expert Warns of Escalating Child Sexual Abuse in Digital Spaces, Urges Global Action

Over 300 Million Children Fall Victim to Online Sexual Exploitation Annually, Special Rapporteur Calls for Stronger Legal Frameworks and Corporate Responsibility.

Child sexual abuse and exploitation in the digital environment have reached alarming levels, with an estimated 300 million children annually suffering from online sexual abuse, according to UN Special Rapporteur Mama Fatima Singhateh. In her report to the General Assembly, Singhateh emphasized how rapidly evolving technologies not only offer opportunities but also expose children to unprecedented risks and harm.

The misuse of existing and emerging technologies has intensified these dangers. From non-consensual sharing of images to deepfakes and AI-generated abuse materials, the report highlights the expanding ways in which children are exploited online.

Singhateh urged governments to strengthen legal frameworks and implement regulatory oversight while calling on technology companies to invest in age verification, child-friendly content moderation, and referral services. She emphasized the need for compliance with the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights and greater involvement of children in decision-making processes related to online safety.

The Global Digital Compact, recently adopted, reaffirms global commitments to make the internet safer for children, with coordinated actions from governments, tech companies, and social media platforms seen as critical to curbing the exploitation crisis.