Reporting Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM)
Child sexual abuse material (CSAM), sometimes called indecent images of children (IIOC) in UK law, includes photographs, videos, and digitally created content that depicts children in a sexual way. Possessing, making, distributing, or showing such material is a serious criminal offence under the Protection of Children Act 1978 and the Sexual Offences Act 2003. If you encounter such material, do not share or forward it — report it immediately.
Immediate danger — call 999
If you believe a child is currently being abused or is in immediate danger, call 999 now. Do not delay.
What to report
- •Photographs or videos depicting a child in a sexual way found online or sent to you
- •Digitally created or AI-generated sexual imagery involving children
- •Links to websites hosting child sexual abuse material
- •Anyone who has sent, requested, or distributed such material
- •Content in private messaging apps, group chats, or peer-to-peer networks
How to report
Internet Watch Foundation (IWF)
When to use
When you have found child sexual abuse material online and want it removed from the internet
How to contact
Report at iwf.org.uk — use the 'Report' button on the homepage. You can report a URL, image, or video anonymously. The IWF operates 24/7.
What to expect
The IWF will assess the report and, if confirmed, issue a take-down notice to the hosting provider and add the URL to the UK's internet block list. They work with international partners and have removed millions of images globally.
CEOP (Child Exploitation and Online Protection)
When to use
When the material has been sent to a child, or when a specific individual is distributing it
How to contact
Report at ceop.police.uk/ceop-reporting/. CEOP specialises in child sexual exploitation online and works with global law enforcement.
What to expect
CEOP will investigate and may identify and arrest perpetrators. They can also assist in removing material and protecting identified victims.
Police — 999
When to use
When you believe a real child is being abused, or when you have direct evidence linking material to a specific local individual
How to contact
Call 999 immediately. Explain that you are reporting child sexual abuse material and a possible ongoing offence against a child.
What to expect
Police will respond urgently if a child is at risk. They will secure evidence and refer to specialist child abuse investigation teams. Do not attempt to preserve or copy the material — simply describe where you found it.
Evidence checklist
Gather this information before or during your report. Do not delay reporting while collecting evidence — but preserve what you can.
- The URL or web address where you encountered the material (copy it carefully — do not click further)
- The platform or app where it was shared (e.g. WhatsApp group, website, social media)
- The username or account name of the person who shared it
- Date and time you discovered the material
- Do NOT download, save, or forward the images or videos — this constitutes further offences
- If on a messaging app, note the group name and any other participants visible
What to say
You do not need to use a script, but this template may help if you are nervous about making the call. Adapt it to your circumstances.
"I am reporting child sexual abuse material. I found content at [URL / on platform name] on [date]. The content appears to depict [child / children — do not describe in detail]. I have not saved or shared the material. The username or account associated with the content is [username if known]. I am reporting this so it can be removed and the source investigated."
What happens next
The IWF will classify the material and issue global removal notices. If a specific perpetrator is identified, police will investigate and may make an arrest. In cases where a child victim can be identified, specialist victim identification units (within CEOP and partner agencies) will work to locate and safeguard that child. You will not always receive detailed feedback, but your report will be acted upon.
What not to do
- ✗Do not download, save, or copy any of the material — this is itself a criminal offence
- ✗Do not forward or share the images or videos with anyone, including to show others
- ✗Do not confront the person who shared the material
- ✗Do not post about it on social media — this could alert the perpetrator and compromise investigations
- ✗Do not delay — every moment the material remains online can cause further harm to the child victim
Frequently asked questions
I accidentally saw this material — am I in trouble?
Accidentally viewing CSAM is not a criminal offence. The offence is possessing, making, or distributing it intentionally. Report what you saw to the IWF and do not save or share it. You will not be prosecuted for an accidental encounter.
What about AI-generated images of children?
Under UK law, AI-generated or digitally created sexual imagery of children is illegal and treated the same as photographs. The IWF actively investigates and removes this content. Report it in the same way as real imagery.
Sources and further information
- IWF — Report Child Sexual Abuse Material — Internet Watch Foundation
- Protection of Children Act 1978 — UK Parliament
- CEOP — Child Exploitation Reporting — NCA / CEOP
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
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Last reviewed: 2026-04-19. This page provides general educational information, not legal or professional safeguarding advice. UK helplines and legislation may change — verify current details with the relevant organisation.