Technology-assisted Child Sexual Abuse 2025-11-11
2025-11-11
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The increasing use of technology in the exploitation and abuse of children is a growing concern, leading to calls for enhanced legal measures.
I am concerned about the increasing and sinister use of technology in the appalling sexual abuse of children and young people. To address this issue, will the Minister consider extending the unduly lenient sentence scheme to include all TACSA offences and commit to a ban on the technologies that generate deepfake and sexually abusive images of children?
My hon. Friend asks an important question. Parliament intended the unduly lenient sentence scheme to be an exceptional power, and any expansion of the scheme must be carefully considered. She will be aware that we had a recent debate on this issue in considering the Victims and Courts Bill. I have heard the strength of feeling in this House and among campaigners on this matter, and I am looking at it closely.
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Assessment & feedback
Commitment to ban technologies generating deepfake images was not addressed
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
A recent report by the Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland highlighted a lack of capacity and capability within the PSNI's cyber-crimes team to manage prolific online sex offenders, resulting in tragic consequences.
Yesterday, the Police Ombudsman for Northern Ireland reported that the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s cyber-crimes team lacked the capacity and capability to manage the threat posed by prolific online sex offender Alexander McCartney. His abuse led to the tragic death of 70 other children. Will the Minister confirm what steps are being taken to ensure that cyber-crime teams across the whole of the UK are properly resourced to deal with online child sexual exploitation?
The whole House will have been shocked by that horrific case, and all our thoughts are with all the victims. It is an important case that draws attention to the nature and proliferation of these crimes. I know that my hon. Friend the Minister for Safeguarding has spoken to the PSNI on this case. There are powers through the Online Safety Act 2023; however, I am aware that the hon. Lady represents a nation where there is a devolved Administration. This is imperative. These crimes have no borders, and all victims deserve protection.
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Assessment & feedback
Specific measures for resource allocation were not provided
Response accuracy