Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Child Sexual Abuse Material (Digital Devices)

15 May 2024 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Pauline Latham Con Erewash

Policing & ResourcesCrime & Law Enforcement

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Pauline Latham raised concerns about child sexual abuse material (digital devices) in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • The scale of child sexual abuse material online in the UK is up to 835,000 individuals posing a risk to children.
  • Outdated laws have made it easier for predators to distribute thousands of illegal photos and videos across borders undetected.
  • Pauline Latham's Bill aims to give Border Force officers the power to search digital devices if there is reasonable suspicion of child sexual abuse material presence.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Pauline Latham Con Erewash

The scale of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) online is alarming, with up to 835,000 individuals in the UK representing a risk to children. The digital age has made it easier for predators to carry thousands of illegal photos and videos across borders undetected due to outdated laws. Pauline Latham's Bill seeks to empower Border Force officers to search digital devices if they reasonably suspect CSAM is present, with penalties for non-compliance, thereby enhancing the defence against child abusers.

Other contributors (1)
  • Pauline Latham Con Erewash

    The Bill proposes giving UK Border Force the authority to require individuals to unlock their digital devices if there is a reasonable suspicion of CSAM. If an individual refuses, they would be subject to arrest for obstruction and their devices seized. This measure aims to prevent child abusers from entering or leaving the country undetected.

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