70 million warnings sent over Child Sexual Abuse searches online

Over 70 million warnings have been issued to people attempting to access child sexual abuse material online. Safeline highlights what this means for prevention and survivor support.

More than 70 million warning messages have been sent to people attempting to access child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online over the past two years, according to the Lucy Faithfull Foundation.

The messages are part of Project Intercept, a global initiative working with technology companies including Google, TikTok, and Meta. Instead of only blocking harmful content, these warnings aim to interrupt behaviour and encourage people to seek help.

What Is Project Intercept?

Project Intercept works by placing warning messages at the point where someone attempts to access illegal material. These messages explain the legal consequences and direct individuals to support services.

Deborah Denis, Chief Executive of the Lucy Faithfull Foundation, said:

“By placing warnings at the moment harmful behaviour is happening, we can disrupt it and divert people towards help to change,”

The initiative now operates across 131 countries and includes encrypted platforms and AI chatbot environments.

Engagement with Support Services Remains Low

Despite the scale of the intervention, only around 700,000 users went on to access the foundation’s Stop It Now support resources.

Professor Sonia Livingstone, Director of the Digital Futures for Children centre at the London School of Economics, said:

“Given that 70 million warning messages have been sent, the fact that only 700,000 people click through to get support seems low. This is disappointing, given that the scale of the problem of child sexual abuse imagery online is growing fast,”

However, she also noted:

“On the other hand, since four in five of those people who seek support do engage with the resources provided, that suggests the system is working for those who are really motivated to get help.”

This highlights both progress and ongoing challenges in preventing online sexual abuse.

Why This Matters

Online sexual abuse is a growing and complex issue. Many cases involve grooming, coercion, and manipulation, particularly affecting children and young people.

Emma Hardy, Communications Director at the Internet Watch Foundation, said:

“As it is, it is simply too easy to share and distribute child sexual abuse imagery online, and for children to become trapped in cycles of exploitation,”

She added:

“Safety by design needs to be a guiding principle and new products and platforms must be built to make sure there is nowhere for this sort of behaviour to hide.”

The NSPCC has also emphasised that warning systems alone are not enough. Preventing abuse must include stronger action to stop harmful material from being created and shared in the first place.

Safeline’s Perspective

At Safeline, we see the impact of sexual abuse every day. Prevention must go beyond reactive measures.

Warning messages can be an important tool. They can interrupt harmful behaviour and create an opportunity for change. However, they are only one part of a much wider response needed to tackle sexual abuse effectively.

A growing number of cases involve online harm, including situations where children are groomed or pressured into sharing images. These experiences can have long‑lasting emotional and psychological effects.

The Need for Early Intervention and Support

The data shows that many people do not go on to seek help, even when it is offered.

This highlights the importance of:

Early intervention before harm escalates
Accessible, confidential support services
Education around consent, boundaries, and online safety
Stronger protections within digital platforms

At Safeline, we believe prevention and support must work together. Addressing harmful behaviour early can reduce risk and help protect children and young people from abuse.