Worrying increase in cases of sexual exploitation of minors on the internet/State Police appeal

2026-02-13 11:56:00, Aktualitet CNA

Worrying increase in cases of sexual exploitation of minors on the

As part of Safer Internet Week, the State Police, through the Cybercrime Investigation Directorate, calls for more attention to children's online safety.

According to data, 5,707 cases of sexual exploitation of minors online were reported in 2025, or about 475 cases per month. In January 2026 alone, 655 reports were recorded, indicating a significant increase in the phenomenon.

The State Police appeals to parents and guardians to:

Monitor children's online activity;

Talk openly with them about the dangers of the Internet and the protection of personal data;

Use control tools and security measures on electronic devices.

Citizens are also urged to protect the privacy of children and not distribute inappropriate materials. Such materials are identified by NCMEC, and the data of the distributors is referred to the State Police for legal prosecution.

Protecting children online is a shared responsibility, and only with cooperation between institutions, parents, and the community can a safer use of the internet be ensured for every child.

State Police

Within the framework of Safer Internet Week and on the occasion of the last day of this awareness week, the State Police, through the Cybercrime Investigation Directorate, would like to convey an important appeal to minors, parents and guardians.

Data obtained through collaboration with NCMEC (National Center for Missing & Exploited Children), an American organization that collaborates with law enforcement agencies worldwide to identify and report materials containing sexual exploitation of minors online, shows a worrying increase in reported cases.

During 2025, the State Police received 5,707 reports referred by NCMEC, which translates to an average of about 475 reports per month. Meanwhile, during January 2026 alone, 655 reports were administered, indicating a significant increase in the phenomenon.

In this context, the State Police appeals to parents to:

• Monitor and be attentive to their children's online activity;

• Communicate openly with them about the dangers of the internet and the importance of protecting personal data;

• Use control tools and security measures on electronic devices.

At the same time, we strongly appeal to parents and every citizen to preserve the privacy and intimacy of minor children, by not distributing or reposting inappropriate materials. This content is identified by NCMEC, through specialized technologies, and the data of their possessors or distributors is referred to the State Police, for further legal prosecution.

Protecting children in the digital space is a shared responsibility. Only through cooperation between institutions, parents and the community, can we guarantee a safer use of the internet for every child.