The NSPCC has urged technology companies to embed technology that blocks nude images from being created, shared, or viewed on children’s phones,
The call comes as police recorded more than 1,200 child sexual abuse image offences in Wales.
According to NSPCC data, a Freedom of Information request revealed that Dyfed Powys, Gwent and North Wales police forces recorded 1,287 offences of indecent and prohibited images of children between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025.
This represents a three per cent rise on the previous year and forms part of a wider UK total of 36,829 offences – an increase of nine per cent.
Chris Sherwood, CEO at the NSPCC, said: “It is utterly indefensible that we are still seeing around 100 child sexual abuse image offences recorded every single day.
“Children across the UK are being completely failed by tech companies that should be protecting them online.
“We cannot keep letting them off the hook when they can do more to prevent this from happening in the first place.
“Behind every one of these offences is a child who has been groomed, abused and manipulated.
“They are left to carry the trauma, whilst tech companies continue to profit handsomely.
“Technology already exists that could be deployed today to stop children from taking, sharing or receiving nude images. So, the real question is: what’s stopping them?
“If they continue to drag their feet, Government must show their might by stepping in and compelling them to act.”
The NSPCC argues that, in the absence of voluntary action from tech firms, the UK Government should mandate real-time image-blocking safeguards as standard.
The charity also emphasises that such protections are more effective than relying on social media bans alone.
