Online Child Abuse Activist Groups on the Internet
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This guidance addresses the prosecution of sexual offences against children facilitated through the activities of Online Child Abuse Activist Groups (OCAGs). It discusses the potential offences that may arise, the implications of evidence obtained through OCAG activities, and considerations for prosecution related to the public interest and fairness of justice. Sections cover evidential considerations, the regulation of investigatory powers, and the complexities surrounding prosecutions stemming from OCAG operations.
Key points
- Prosecution must meet Code tests for evidence collected by OCAGs.
- Potential charges include serious sexual offences under the Sexual Offences Act 2003.
- OCAG members may face criminal charges for their actions during investigations.
- Careful consideration is required to ensure fairness in prosecutions involving OCAGs.
- Public interest factors may influence decisions to prosecute suspects.
- There is no legal defence of entrapment applicable to OCAGs.
Public-interest factors
- Use of children in OCAG activities can negate public interest in prosecuting suspects.
- Publicity and notoriety from OCAG actions may compromise judicial integrity.
- The involvement of children in OCAG tactics raises serious ethical concerns.
- Prosecutors should consider potential harm to children involved in OCAG activities.
- Prosecution of suspects may further encourage vigilante actions.
- The impact of OCAG actions on vulnerable individuals must be assessed.
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.