Thousands report online sexual extortion in six months, Australia's eSafety Commissioner raises alarm

Last year, research jointly conducted by eSafety and the Australian Institute of Criminology found one in three adolescents had experienced sextortion, with more than half having that experience before they were 16. Source: Getty / Getty Images/Elva Etienne

New eSafety data shows online sexual extortion is increasingly targeting young Australians, particularly males. More than 2,000 complaints were recorded in six months, with Instagram and WhatsApp most frequently cited. The report also warns generative AI is being used to deceive victims, while exposing gaps in reporting systems. It's also prompted renewed demands for big tech to do more to prevent young people being blackmailed on digital platforms.

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