Deepfakes and Sextortion Increasing Among Swiss Youngsters

Swiss child protection organizations are raising concerns over a sharp increase in deepfake abuse, sextortion, and other forms of digital sexual violence targeting young people across the country.

According to the online reporting platform clickandstop.ch, incidents involving artificial intelligence-generated deepfakes and online exploitation are becoming more common, creating new risks for children and teenagers in the digital age.

Child Protection Switzerland has called for urgent action to better protect minors from the growing misuse of artificial intelligence and online technologies. The organization warns that digital sexual violence is affecting an increasing number of young people and requires stronger prevention measures.

The clickandstop.ch platform was developed in cooperation with the Guido Fluri Foundation and the Swiss Federal Office of Police (fedpol). It serves as Switzerland’s main national reporting center for illegal online content and child protection concerns.

Since 2022, the platform has received reports involving 9,697 web addresses containing child sexual abuse material. Authorities and child protection experts say these figures highlight the scale of the challenge facing Switzerland and other countries.

Beyond reporting illegal content, clickandstop.ch also provides support services for victims and concerned individuals. Users can access guidance through anonymous reporting tools, telephone support, and online chat services designed to offer advice and prevention information.

Experts warn that deepfake technology is becoming increasingly sophisticated. Criminals can use artificial intelligence to create fake images, videos, or audio recordings that appear real, making it easier to manipulate, blackmail, or exploit victims online.

Sextortion, a form of online blackmail involving intimate images or videos, has also become a growing concern. Young people are particularly vulnerable because of their extensive use of social media and digital communication platforms.

Child protection advocates are urging parents, schools, technology companies, and policymakers to work together to improve digital literacy, strengthen online safety measures, and educate young people about the risks associated with AI-generated content.

As artificial intelligence continues to evolve, Swiss authorities and child welfare organizations emphasize that protecting children online must remain a top priority. Increased awareness, early intervention, and stronger safeguards will be essential in combating digital sexual violence and online exploitation.