Rise in ‘self-generated’ child sex abuse material online
Surge in “self-Generated” CSAM Fuels Record Online Harm Reports in Ireland
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Ireland’s internet safety landscape faced a challenging year in 2024, with a dramatic surge in reports of harmful online content, particularly a concerning rise in “self-generated” child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The Irish Internet Hotline (IIH) annual report reveals a 32% year-on-year increase in overall reports, reaching 53,411, with CSAM remaining the dominant issue. This article delves into the key findings of the report, exploring the trends, challenges, and ongoing efforts to combat online harm.
The Alarming Rise of Self-Generated CSAM
The moast striking finding of the IIH’s 2024 report is the unprecedented increase in “self-generated” CSAM.These are images or videos that appear to have been created by the children themselves. It’s crucial to understand that the term, as defined by the IIH, does not imply consent, intent, blame, or awareness of the consequences. It is indeed a descriptor used by analysts to indicate the apparent origin of the material, focusing on how the content came into existence, not the circumstances surrounding its creation.
Despite this careful definition, the numbers are deeply troubling. The IIH analyzed 11,505 cases of self-generated CSAM in 2024, a 166% increase from the 4,322 cases reported in 2023. This makes it the fastest-growing form of CSAM, now accounting for 25.6% of all CSAM reports received by the Hotline.
this dramatic rise presents important challenges for investigators and online safety professionals. The nature of this content often makes it more arduous to trace and remove, and the vulnerabilities of the children involved require a sensitive and nuanced approach. A particularly concerning statistic is that 92% of the victims depicted in these cases were girls.
Overall Trends in Online Harm Reports
While self-generated CSAM saw the most significant increase, other forms of online harm also contributed to the overall rise in reports to the IIH:
Total Reports: 53,411 (a 32% increase year-on-year)
Illegal Material (primarily CSAM): 85% of all reports
Financial Scams: Increased by 51%, leading to the identification of 134 fraudulent websites.
Intimate Image Abuse: Reports decreased, perhaps indicating the positive impact of ongoing deterrent campaigns.
Racism and Xenophobia: 908 reports received, highlighting the continued presence of hate speech online.
Removal Rates and Ongoing Efforts
Despite the increase in harmful content, the IIH demonstrates a high rate of success in securing its removal from the internet.
Overall removal Rate: 97%
CSAM Removal Rate: 99.6%
Intimate Image Abuse Removal Rate: 91%
* Fraudulent website Removal Rate: 79%
These figures demonstrate the effectiveness of the IIH’s reporting mechanisms and collaboration with online platforms. However, the report emphasizes that the fight against online harm is a continuous process.The IIH notes that forums are the dominant distribution channel for CSAM, making removal more complex and urgent due to their decentralized nature and often encrypted environments.
The Importance of Reporting and Collaboration
The Irish Internet Hotline plays a vital role as Ireland’s national reporting center for suspected illegal and harmful online content. It provides a secure and anonymous way for members of the public to report concerns, particularly regarding CSAM.
Mick Moran, CEO of the Irish Internet Hotline, emphasized the need for a systematic and collaborative approach. “The online realities reflect the society we live in, and we must face the troubling parts of that in a systematic and collaborative way,” he stated. “There is no silver bullet, no panacea, just hard, and sometimes gruelling work.”
Minister for justice Jim O’Callaghan acknowledged the IIH’s work, highlighting the human cost behind the statistics. “It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the figures, but crucial to recognize that behind these statistics are real people – and often children - who have suffered harm and have been victimised.”
Looking Ahead: Addressing the Challenges
The IIH’s 2024 report serves as a stark reminder of the evolving nature of online harm and the ongoing need for vigilance. Addressing the surge in self