The surge in online child abuse material has prompted Denmark to introduce stricter laws and intensify police efforts to combat the issue. The proposed legislation aims to address the alarming rise in the production, dissemination, and possession of such material, including computer-generated content and manipulated images.

The Danish government is seeking to hold tech giants and internet providers accountable for removing and reporting sexually abusive material involving children. Justice Minister Peter Hummelgaard emphasizes the need for a firm stance against the tech industry, citing technological advancements as a key factor in the proliferation of this material.

The rise in computer-generated abuse material, created using artificial intelligence, is a significant concern. Another worrying trend is the involvement of very young perpetrators, sometimes as young as 15 or 16 years old.

Save the Children has launched a counseling line, “TalMedOs,” to support young people with concerning sexual thoughts about children. This initiative aims to prevent future abuse by providing early intervention and guidance.

The number of cases reported to the police and notifications from international organizations has increased dramatically in recent years. Violations of the Penal Code related to child abuse material have seen a 14-fold increase since 2015, and notifications from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) have nearly quadrupled since 2020.