The Mayor of London has cut funding for victims of online crime in the capital at a time when 98% of reports to the police are given ‘no further action’. In fact, victims are seven times less likely to see their perpetrator charged or summoned compared to victims of offline crime. From the 1st of April 2025, dedicated online crime victim services will be shut down and thousands of victims will go without specialist support.

As AI tools grow more sophisticated and accessible, sadly exploitation of these tools also increases. Recognising this, the Home Office has made the UK the first country in the world to introduce new legislation that targets predators producing AI-generated child sexual abuse material (CSAM). AI-generated content has severe consequences for victims. CSAMs may be used to manipulate or blackmail children, perpetuate harmful narratives, or retraumatise victims whose likenesses have been altered.

Cyberstalking and harassment can take many different forms, whether you’re receiving distressing messages, being bullied, having personal information released online, or you suspect you’re being monitored. This guide will help you understand what laws and regulations apply in the UK, how to report cyberstalking and harassment, what evidence you should collect and store, and how to engage with the police and other supporting organisations.

Cybercrime affects over 5 million individuals in the UK every year, with a majority living in London. This densely populated area is unsurprisingly a hotspot for cybercriminal activity. It’s one of the world’s leading financial and technological hubs, with thousands of Londoners experiencing cybercrimes such as scams, hacked accounts, and intimate image abuse annually.

As the holiday season approaches, we at The Cyber Helpline are reminded of the incredible power of community, generosity, and courage. This year, one of our amazing supporters, Anya Bridges, is taking on a challenge that embodies all three.

The Home Office has introduced new guidance aimed at strengthening protections for stalking victim-survivors in England and Wales. Under the updated measures, police will be required to inform individuals if they uncover the identity of a stalker, including those operating anonymously online. Additionally, stalking protection orders will be toughened to prevent convicted stalkers from contacting their victims while in prison.

Cybercrime and online harms are rapidly evolving, impacting millions annually in England and Wales alone. Recognising the complexity and urgency of these issues, The Cyber Helpline has undertaken a thorough analysis to examine the critical gaps in the processes of reporting, investigation, and prosecution faced by victims. Drawing on our data and insights from across England and Wales, we explore the journey of victims from the initial impact through to potential prosecution.

The recent updates to the blocking feature on X (formerly Twitter) have sparked significant concerns about user safety and privacy, particularly regarding stalking. These changes now permit blocked users to view posts but prevent them from engaging, such as liking, commenting, or sharing.

When we think of insider threats, we often picture cybercriminals or disgruntled employees trying to break into a business. But there is a more personal, hidden danger lurking in the shadows of our daily lives—our own partners or, in most cases, ex-partners. In the heart of a relationship, trust is woven into every aspect of our lives. We share passwords, accounts, devices, and even locations without a second thought, but what happens when that trust is broken, when love turns to loss?

In our recent webinar, "Myth-Busting Cyberstalking," hosted by The Cyber Helpline and Paladin, we tackled common misconceptions about stalking. Misunderstandings around stalking can put victims at risk, so our goal was to debunk harmful myths and provide guidance on handling such situations safely. Here’s a rundown of the eight myths we covered, along with insights from our panel of experts.