LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — As Safer Internet Day approaches, the Arkansas State Police (ASP) is warning citizens to be alert and cautious concerning online safety, for it is a top priority.
Preliminary data from 2025 from the ASP Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force shows a dramatic increase in reports of online exploitation involving Arkansas children.
State Police released their preliminary totals from 2025:
- 391 sextortion cases — up 118%
- 5,653 online enticement (pre-travel) reports — up 490%
- 11 suicide threats — up 120%
- 5 child sex trafficking cases — up 150%
The ICAC Task Force investigated 391 sextortion cases in 2025, compared to only 16 cases in 2020. The sharp increase in reports coincides with the federal REPORT Act, which expanded mandatory reporting requirements for Electronic Service Providers. It resulted in signifcantly higher CyberTip submissions nationwide…