Snapchat app most used for online care, NSPCC says

Grooming registrations have risen since the offense of having sex with a child came into force in 2017, reaching a new record of 7,062 this year.

Of the 1,824 cases where the platform was known last year, 48% were recorded on Snapchat.

The number of grooming offenses reported on Snapchat has increased every year since 2018/19.

Grooming offenses reported on WhatsApp have increased slightly over the past year. On Instagram and Facebook, known cases have declined in recent years, according to the figures. All three platforms are owned by Meta.

WhatsApp told the BBC it has “robust security measures” in place to protect people on its app.

Jess Phillips, Minister for Defense and Violence Against Women and Girls, said social media companies “have a responsibility to stop this vile abuse from happening on their platforms”.

In a statement, she added: “Under the Online Safety Act, they will have to stop this type of illegal content being shared on their sites, including private and encrypted messaging services, or face significant fines.” .

The Online Safety Act includes a legal requirement for technology platforms to keep children safe.

From December, big tech firms will have to publish their risk assessments of illegal damages on their platforms.

Media regulator Ofcom, which will enforce the rules, said: “Our draft codes of practice include robust measures to help prevent grooming by making it more difficult for perpetrators to contact children.

“We stand ready to use the full extent of our enforcement powers against any companies that cannot be found when the time comes.”