Internal Affairs' web filter - integrated with most internet service providers - blocked 1,032,683 attempts to access websites known to host exploitative material. Photo: 123RF
Internal Affairs (DIA) says it blocked more than 1 million attempts to access child sexual exploitation and abuse material last year.
Its web filter - integrated with most internet service providers - blocked 1,032,683 attempts to access websites known to host exploitative material.
The 2024 Digital Child Exploitation Transparency Report says 2822 of these referrals were [assigned to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
From there, 60 search warrants were executed, 235 devices seized and 13 offenders were successfully prosecuted for possessing, distributing and/or creating objectionable material.
DIA digital child exploitation manager Tim Houston said the actions taken led to 14 children being safeguarded from further risk of harm.
He said the content being referred to DIA continues to be of "significantly high harm", including child sexual exploitation and abuse, bestiality and necrophilia.
"Every day, videos and images are created depicting the violent sexual harm of children for the sexual gratification of offenders.
"This content shows the worst moment of a victim's life, and each time it is viewed and shared, they are re-victimised."
Many of the remaining investigations that did not lead to a search warrant were handed over to overseas partner agencies and domestic agencies like the New Zealand Police and Customs, Houston said.
"Protecting and safeguarding children is at the heart of what we do. The fight against the spread of child sexual abuse material is a collective responsibility."
Houston said the DIA's Digital Child Exploitation Filtering System helped safeguard New Zealanders who might inadvertently visit flagged sites.
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