New research from the Childlight[1] Global Child Safety Institute shows an alarming rate of sexual abuse among children in South Asia. Drawing on studies from India, Pakistan, Maldives, Bangladesh and other countries, the report estimates that around one in eight children in the region has been sexually assaulted before reaching adulthood. This projection translates to roughly 54 million affected minors, based on regional population data and statistical modeling.
The figures come from a review of surveys conducted between 2010 and 2024. About 14.5 percent of girls and 11.5 percent of boys in the data reported experiencing sexual violence before the age of 18. Limited reporting in neighboring countries suggests that actual numbers could be higher than official estimates.
| Countries in South Asia | CSAM rate 2023 | CSAM rate 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Afghanistan | 47.5 | 28.9 |
| Bangladesh | 145.2 | 64.1 |
| Bhutan | 75 | 41 |
| India | 62 | 15.5 |
| Maldives | 158.4 | 94 |
| Nepal | 58.9 | 19.4 |
| Pakistan | 77.8 | 41.3 |
| Sri Lanka | 59.8 | 27.8 |
Technology Adds a New Dimension
The same study points to a sharp rise in technology-linked exploitation. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of identified AI-generated sexual images involving minors increased by over 1,300 percent. These synthetic images, sometimes known as deepfakes, use generative tools to superimpose children’s faces onto explicit photos.
In 2024, data from monitoring networks linked over 2.25 million cases of child sexual abuse material to India, 1.1 million to Bangladesh, and about 1.03 million to Pakistan. When adjusted for population size, smaller countries such as the Maldives showed higher exposure rates, with about 94 reported cases per 10,000 residents. Bangladesh followed with 64, Pakistan with 41, and Nepal with roughly 19.
Gaps in Law and Reporting
Among South Asian nations, India maintains the most comprehensive record system under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. Police reports show cases rising from about 54,000 in 2021 to more than 64,000 in 2022. Around 90 percent of those cases reached the charge-sheet stage, but conviction rates remain much lower.
In Pakistan, the number of recorded cases nearly doubled within the same period, from around 1,500 to close to 3,000, according to the NGO Sahil. The increase reflects better awareness and more open reporting, though many incidents still go unreported.
Global Patterns and Local Risks
Data from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children show how widespread the problem has become. Between 2020 and 2022, over 83 million global cases of child sexual abuse material were reported to the center[2]. About two-thirds came from Asia. India accounted for roughly 16 percent of those reports, followed by the Philippines, Pakistan, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.
While artificial intelligence has made it easier to create harmful content, it is also being tested as a tool to detect it. European researchers have developed scanning systems that can flag altered or disguised child abuse images. One pilot study examined nearly 300,000 websites and found several dozen containing illegal material. These systems could support law enforcement if used responsibly.
Digital Platforms and Enforcement Challenges
NCMEC data show continued growth in global reports. About 20 million cases were logged in 2020, 29 million in 2021, and more than 32 million in 2022. Meta’s platforms, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, generated around 90 percent of these alerts through automated systems.
Image: DIW-Aigen.
Nearly half of the global reports lacked enough information to act on or involved repeated uploads of existing material. The absence of consistent laws across countries and weak coordination between agencies make the issue harder to contain.
Data as a Prevention Tool
Childlight’s researchers stress that prevention depends on reliable data and early detection. Countries with consistent monitoring tend to identify cases sooner and provide more support for victims. The institute recommends stronger cooperation between governments, private companies, and civil organizations.
It treats child exploitation as both a law enforcement and public health challenge. Abuse affects physical and mental health, school attendance, and long-term development. Building accurate data systems is seen as the first step toward targeted intervention.
A Regional Burden with Global Links
South Asia’s exposure to child exploitation remains high both offline and online. Progress in data collection and policing has improved awareness, yet new technologies have made the threat more complex. AI-generated material now circulates faster than authorities can respond.
Childlight’s study concludes that without stronger coordination between technology firms and public institutions, millions of children will remain at risk. The region’s data show a growing problem that reflects global patterns of digital abuse, one that continues to evolve as technology advances.
Notes: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.
Read next:
• Survey Finds Few Americans Turn to Chatbots for News[3]
• 2025 Blogging Report: AI Use Explodes While Average Article Length Slides[4]
References
- ^ Childlight (www.childlight.org)
- ^ 83 million global cases of child sexual abuse material were reported to the center (surfshark.com)
- ^ Survey Finds Few Americans Turn to Chatbots for News (www.digitalinformationworld.com)
- ^ 2025 Blogging Report: AI Use Explodes While Average Article Length Slides (www.digitalinformationworld.com)