Turning insights into action to protect children online

Last week, the WeProtect Global Alliance launched their flagship biennial report, the Global Threat Assessment 2025 (GTA25). The report examines the scale, nature, and emerging dynamics of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA). This year’s assessment delivers a clear and urgent message: 

The digital threats children are facing are accelerating faster than global safeguards can keep pace and only coordinated, prevention-focused action will be enough to respond.

The GTA25 ties together the latest data and evidence, expert interviews, youth consultations, and survivor voices, to reveal a complex landscape shaped by rapid technological change. The misuse of generative AI, the expansion of end-to-end encryption, and emerging technologies (e.g., extended reality and decentralised platforms) are transforming children’s digital environments. At the same time, new social and behavioural trends—from a rise in harmful sexual behaviour among peers to the impact of violent extremist content and financial sexual extortion—underline the need for holistic, cross-sector solutions.

At the heart of the GTA25 is the new Prevention Framework, a practical tool designed for governments, industry, academia, international organisations, and civil society. It outlines how each sector can shift decisively toward prevention, with coordinated efforts that protect children before harm occurs.

PGI was proud to serve on the Expert Steering Group, contributing operational insights from our work tackling online harms—including child exploitation, grooming networks, and cross-platform communities that prey on vulnerable young people. Our frontline intelligence provided information on offender tactics, emerging digital ecosystems, and the growing complexity of transnational online spaces.

Reflecting on the significance of the report and the Alliance’s collective work, Beth Hepworth, Client Director at PGI, said:

“The Global Threat Assessment highlights that tackling the complex and rapidly evolving risks to children online requires a united, multi-stakeholder approach. Coordinated collaboration between governments, industry, civil society and law enforcement is essential. PGI is proud to have contributed to this important initiative as part of the WeProtect Global Alliance, helping to drive tangible actions and protect children from online abuse.”

Driving the prevention agenda forward

Ultimately, the Assessment makes it very clear that preventing online child sexual exploitation and abuse is possible. But only with sustained, aligned action across the digital ecosystem. The new Prevention Framework offers a practical roadmap, emphasising:

• Safety by design across digital products and services
• Stronger legal and regulatory systems that reflect technological realities
• Evidence-based education and support for children, families, and communities
• Survivor- and youth-led approaches to shaping policies and solutions

This shift toward prevention is fundamental. As the report notes, the threats facing children today—from AI-generated child sexual abuse material to rapidly evolving manipulative online communities—are outpacing traditional response models. Prevention must become the default.

Looking ahead

PGI will continue to support the work the WeProtect Global Alliance and its members, from enhancing detection capabilities to improving understanding of transnational online groups. We remain committed to building safer digital environments for children worldwide.

The GTA25 and Prevention Framework are now available to download via the WeProtect Global Alliance website, here.

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