Child Sexual Abuse Material In The Digital Age
Understanding the Dark Web and Its Connection to Sex
You’ll actually have to find the dark websites that you want to search on your own. But you can face criminal charges if you use the dark web to sell or purchase illegal firearms, drugs, pornography, stolen passwords, hacked credit card account numbers, or other items. For example, dissidents who fear political prosecution from their governments might use the dark web to communicate with each other.
When using a VPN for the dark web, your ISP will not be able to tell that you are connecting to a Tor node; a VPN server will only see an encrypted tunnel. The dark web is full of illegal marketplaces and forums where criminal activity is advertised and discussed. Some examples include Empire Market, Dream Market and Nightmare Market. “Where these companies fail, Congress must aggressively step up to the plate and act to protect both children and the internet as a whole.” “Child sexual abuse online is already, as we believe, a public health epidemic,” Sexton said, according to The Guardian.
- New members were welcomed, and there was general conversation-making alongside discussions of CSEA.
- When most people go online, they do so via a computer or device that has an IP (Internet Protocol) address – a unique online identity.
- If new information or insight was gained, the coding scheme was modified to further develop and refine it.
- Just like the surface web, the dark web is riddled with scams, phishing sites, and malware designed to exploit new users who may not know any better.
The dark web refers to a part of the internet that is not indexed by traditional search engines. It often requires specific software, configurations, or permission to access. While the dark web serves various legitimate purposes, it is also notorious for illegal activities, including those related to dark web sex.
Abuse and persecution victims, whistleblowers, and political dissidents have been frequent users of these hidden sites. But of course, these benefits can be easily extended to those that want to act outside of the constraints of laws in other explicitly illegal ways. Locating surface web websites is possible because search engines can index the web via visible links (a process called “crawling” due to the search engine traveling the web like a spider).
What is the Dark Web?
The dark web is a subset of the deep web, which contains content not available on the surface web. Accessing the dark web typically involves using specific tools like Tor or I2P. Here are some key points to understand:
This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms. The authors would like to thank the unnamed police force who collaborated with them in the production and delivery of this research project. Throughout the analysis, an iterative approach was employed by revisiting and adjusting existing codes and sub-codes, as well as revising them, where appropriate.
Later stages of the research project were funded by an award from the Police Knowledge Fund. “When my colleagues first started interacting in these darknet forums, they received different reactions. Many were understandably sceptical and afraid that they were undercover agents. In the beginning, they often got kicked out and were sometimes met unkindly,” Joleby explained.
- Not indexed by traditional search engines.
- Requires special software for access.
- Can be a haven for anonymity.
- Hosts both legal and illegal activities.
Over 1.97 million of these images and/or videos were not previously known by law enforcement. However, online child sex offending behavior is broader than this (Clevenger et al., 2016), and this breadth of behavior was evident in our Dark Web sample. The majority of our sample were in possession and/or collected CSEA material. In addition, most suspects reported that they were (or had previously) engaged in the sexual abuse of a child in the physical world (i.e., a contact sexual offense).
The Intersection of the Dark Web and Sex
Within the dark web, the topic of dark web sex encompasses a broad spectrum of activities, some of which are highly controversial or illegal. Some categories include:
- Adult Content: Often involves content that is not available on mainstream platforms.
- Sex Trafficking: A significant concern, as the anonymity of the dark web can facilitate the trading and exploitation of individuals.
- Sex Work: Some individuals may use the dark web to offer or seek sex work services under the cover of anonymity.
- Illegal Substances: Often accompanies the trade and sale of sex, including drugs and other restricted items.
Risks Involved with Dark Web Sex Activities
Engaging in any activities related to dark web sex can entail various risks:
- Legal Implications: Many activities on the dark web are illegal and can lead to severe legal consequences.
- Financial Scams: The dark web is rife with scams, where users may lose money in fraudulent transactions.
- Exploitation: Participants can encounter threats of exploitation and abuse, especially those offering services.
- Data Security Risks: Personal information can be compromised, leading to identity theft or other cybercrimes.
FAQs about Dark Web Sex
1. Is all content on the dark web illegal?
No, while much of it can be illegal, there are also legitimate activities and communities that operate in the realm of privacy and free speech.
2. Can I access the dark web safely?
Accessing the dark web involves risks. Using VPNs, ensuring cybersecurity measures, and understanding the legal implications are important for safer navigation.
3. What types of sites can be found regarding sex on the dark web?
Sites can include forums, marketplaces for adult content, and platforms for individuals seeking or offering sex-related services.
4. Is using the dark web for sex work legal?
The legality varies by jurisdiction. In many places, engaging in or soliciting sex work remains illegal, even if conducted online or anonymously.
5. What should I do if I encounter illegal activities?
It is advisable to report such activities to law enforcement authorities, as engaging with them can result in severe legal consequences.
Conclusion
The dark web sex landscape is complex, filled with both opportunities for privacy and significant dangers. Individuals must weigh the risks and legal ramifications before navigating this hidden part of the internet. Awareness and caution are essential for anyone considering engaging with the offerings of the dark web.
