Please note: The algorithm descriptions in English have been automatically translated. Errors may have been introduced in this process. For the original descriptions, go to the Dutch version of the Algorithm Register.

Sextortion Classifier

The tool retrieves Basisvoorziening Handhaving (BVH) registrations from seven selected categories in which sextortion may occur. The system then assesses whether a registration is about sextortion or not.

Last change on 31st of March 2026, at 12:56 (CET) | Publication Standard 1.0
Publication category
High-Risk AI-system
Impact assessment
Field not filled in.
Status
In use

General information

Theme

Public Order and Safety

Begin date

2024-11

Contact information

https://www.politie.nl/

Responsible use

Goal and impact

The tool was developed to get a better overview of all sextortion registrations in BVH. By using this tool, these registrations are more quickly recognised and passed on to the right departments. As a result, victims can be helped faster and better.

Considerations

By using this tool, vice departments get more work. On the other hand, registrations are picked up faster. Victims are helped better and faster as a result.

Human intervention

The tool only gives BVH numbers as results. Staff manually check these numbers to determine whether it is really sextortion. The use of the tool complements the normal work process of vice departments.

Risk management

The tool shows only BVH numbers. This prevents employees from automatically relying on the system's judgement. The vice investigator himself checks whether the registration is correct and determines follow-up steps. This working method also ensures that no substantive information is shared.

Legal basis

Article 3 Police Act 2012

Links to legal bases

Art. 3 Police Act 2012: https://wetten.overheid.nl/jci1.3:c:BWBR0031788&hoofdstuk=2&paragraaf=2.1&artikel=3&z=2025-07-01&g=2025-07-01

Operations

Data

Currently, only data from the Rotterdam region are processed.

The model was trained with BVH registrations from the period from 22 November 2024 to 8 October 2025. For this purpose, registrations were used from Rotterdam unit and from seven selected categories important for vice cases.

These include reports on vice, abuse of sexual images, blackmail or extortion, sex chat, online sexual harassment, grooming and child pornography.

The Sextortion Classifier uses this model to assess BVH registrations.

Technical design

The classifier looks at the free text in BVH registrations. The system uses multiple decision trees, each looking at a part of the registrations. Each decision tree gives a score between 0 and 1. A score of 0 means no sextortion. A score of 1 does mean sextortion.

The limit is set at 0.52. This was done to make the result as good as possible. After all decision trees have given a score, a vote is taken. The outcome of this vote determines whether the registration is classified as sextortion.

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