Campaign to tackle rising threat of online sextortion
A new campaign aimed at safeguarding young people from the growing threat of online sextortion was launched this week in Scotland.
Funded by the Scottish Government and Police Scotland, the initiative is spearheaded by Fearless, the youth service of the charity Crimestoppers.
Sextortion, a modern form of online blackmail, involves criminals threatening to release explicit or manipulated images of victims unless demands—often monetary—are met. The crime is escalating globally, with the US National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) reporting over 26,000 cases in 2023, more than double the previous year’s figures.
Targeted at young people aged 13 to 21, the campaign focuses on prevention and support, particularly for boys aged 14 to 18, who accounted for 91% of UK cases reported to the Internet Watch Foundation last year. The messaging, disseminated through TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, assures young people that they are not alone, it is not their fault, and help is available.
In addition to supporting young people, the campaign offers resources for carers and professionals to recognise and address sextortion. Organised crime groups, often operating from abroad, are implicated in many cases, highlighting the scale and complexity of the issue.
The devastating effects of sextortion were tragically illustrated in the case of 16-year-old Murray Dowey from Dunblane, who died by suicide after being targeted. Murray’s parents have contributed to the campaign, determined to prevent similar tragedies.
Victims are urged to seek help, either by contacting the police, confiding in a trusted adult, or reaching out to Childline via 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
Lyndsay McDade, Fearless Scotland Manager, emphasised the campaign’s focus on destigmatising the crime and encouraging victims to seek support.
“We know that sextortion can have a devastating impact, especially if victims fear judgment or blame,” McDade said. “If this happens to you, remember it’s not your fault. Talk to someone—be it a parent, teacher, or the police. Help is there for you.”
Victims and Community Safety Minister Siobhian Brown underscored the government’s commitment to tackling this crime.
“Sextortion is a deeply harmful crime that affects young people and their families,” she said. “I urge anyone targeted to never panic or pay but to seek help and report it. Support is available, and you will get through this.”
Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson of Police Scotland called sextortion “insidious and despicable,” urging victims not to be ashamed to come forward.
“Support is available, and your case will be handled with sensitivity and professionalism,” he stated.
This campaign reflects a united effort to combat sextortion, offering hope and practical guidance to victims while empowering their communities to tackle the issue head-on.
