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Into the Light Index: Data Update on Global Technology-Facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 2026
Deborah Ann Fry, Elena Martellozzo, James Stevenson, Anna Krzeczkowska, Moore, Caitlin et al. ·
Summary
Written by AI, not yet AICS's view · claude-haiku-4-5-20251001This is a dataset update for the Into the Light Index, a global monitoring tool tracking technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse. The 2026 interim update provides new data on two key areas: victimization through technology and child sexual abuse material. The dataset is part of a larger research initiative by Childlight, with a full report and technical documentation available separately.
Key points
- Interim data release ahead of the full 2026 Index scheduled for November 2026
- Covers two indicator areas: technology-facilitated CSEA victimisation and child sexual abuse material
- Dataset comprises multiple dataframes with accompanying README files for methodological detail
- Builds on the 2025 Into the Light Index with additional data collected since that release
- Full synthesis and interpretation available in separate report and technical note on Childlight's website
Limitations
This document is a metadata description of a dataset rather than a substantive analysis or findings report. It provides no specific data, results, country information, or evidence about the prevalence or impact of technology-facilitated child sexual exploitation and abuse.
Abstract
This dataset comprises a collection of dataframes that together form the "Into the Light Index: Data Update on Global Technology-Facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse 2026". The update provides additional data gathered following the release of the 2025 Into the Light Index (https://doi.org/10.7488/ds/8028) and is published as an interim release ahead of the full 2026 Index (scheduled for November 2026). The dataset includes data across two indicator areas: 1. Technology Facilitated CSEA Victimisation 2. Child Sexual Abuse Material. Each dataframe is accompanied by a README file providing further context and methodological detail. The synthesis and interpretation of these data, including the “Into the Light Interim Index: Data Update on Global Technology-Facilitated Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse – 2026” report and Technical Note, can be found on Childlight’s website at https://www.childlight.org/reports/itl-interim-update-2026. Permission to copy, disseminate or otherwise use information from the 2025 Into the Light Index and the 2026 Further Data Update is granted, provided that appropriate acknowledgement and citation is given.