Brussels NGO files complaint against X over child abuse images
The Brussels-based NGO Alliance4Europe has filed a complaint against X, alleging that the platform is being used to share millions of images of child abuse. HLN and VTM reported on Sunday that the case had been referred to the European Commission, the police and the Brussels public prosecutor’s office.
Alliance4Europe, which usually researches disinformation and foreign influence, said it came across the content while investigating Russian influence campaigns. The NGO uncovered a network of accounts distributing images of the sexual abuse of children of all ages, shared via bots exploiting hashtags.
Each post was boosted by dozens of bot comments to ensure visibility. Some posts received over 200 comments and were viewed up to 30,000 times. Between 18 and 22 July, Alliance4Europe identified over 150 accounts, with new ones being created daily.
These bot accounts used short videos to lure users and redirect them to websites, as well as to Telegram and Discord groups, dating sites and other platforms selling folders containing images of child sexual abuse. One website even sold subscriptions. Payments were made through PayPal or Bitcoin.
On 18 July, the NGO notified the Belgian police, Child Focus and X. Although the social media platform suspended some accounts and removed certain hashtags, Alliance4Europe found that the network remained active. Some accounts reappeared within a week and abuse images could still be accessed.
"Reporting remains crucial"
Child Focus, a Belgian organisation that combats the sexual exploitation of children, says they are taking this case very seriously. It has contacted the European Commission, which could investigate the social media platform and demand corrective action, imposing fines or restrictions if necessary.
But the problem goes beyond X, warned Child Focus policy officer Tijana Popovic. “Content moderation is being scaled back on many platforms, and others are becoming fully encrypted, making oversight nearly impossible. Reporting remains crucial—anyone who comes across such material should report it immediately, either via the Belgian civil reporting centre or directly to police.”
#FlandersNewsService | ©
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