Widespread Availability and Demand for Child Sexual Abuse Material on the Anonymous Tor Network

Core Concepts

Child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is widely available and actively sought on the anonymous Tor network, with one-fifth of onion websites hosting such content. A significant portion of Tor users, up to 11.1%, explicitly search for CSAM, predominantly targeting children aged 12-16. Many CSAM users want to stop using the material but face barriers in accessing help.

Abstract

The researchers investigate the distribution and usage of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the anonymous Tor network over a five-year period from 2018 to 2023. They find that: Approximately one-fifth of the unique websites hosted through the Tor network share CSAM. This is consistent with previous research findings from 2013. The majority (21 out of 26) of the top Tor search engines provide access to CSAM websites, and four even promote and advocate for CSAM. 11.1% of the 110,133,715 total search sessions on the Ahmia.fi Tor search engine explicitly seek CSAM. The single phrase "child porn" is one of the top queries. When searching for CSAM by age, 40.5% of the searches target 11-year-olds and younger, 54.5% target 12- to 16-year-olds, and the girl-to-boy search ratio is 4:3. The researchers introduce an intervention where Tor search engines redirect CSAM users to a survey. The survey reveals that 65.3% of CSAM users first saw the material when they were children themselves, and 50.5% first encountered it accidentally, demonstrating the widespread availability of CSAM. The survey also shows that 48.1% of CSAM users want to stop using the material, and 61.6% have tried to stop. However, only 14.0% have sought help, and 73.9% of those who sought help were unable to receive it, indicating an unmet demand for effective intervention resources. The researchers conclude that search engines should filter CSAM and direct users towards help to reduce the usage of CSAM, as many users are motivated to stop but face barriers in accessing support.

Stats

"11.1% (N = 12,270,042 of 110,133,715) of the search sessions are explicitly searching for CSAM." "40.5% search for 11-year-olds and younger; 11.0% for 12-year-olds; 8.2% for 13-year-olds; 11.6% for 14-year-olds; 10.9% for 15-year-olds; and 12.7% for 16-year-olds." "65.3% (N = 7,199 of 11,030 who replied to the question) of CSAM users first saw the material when they were under 18 years old." "50.5% (N = 4,843 of 9,599 who replied to the question) report that they first saw CSAM accidentally." "48.1% (N = 4,120 of 8,566 who replied to the question) want to stop using CSAM, and 61.6% (5,200 of 8,447 who replied to the question) have tried to stop using CSAM." "Only 14.0% (N = 985 of 7,013 who responded to the question) of CSAM users have sought help, and 73.9% (N = 728 of 985) of those who sought help have not been able to get it."

Quotes

"65.3% (N = 7,199 of 11,030 who replied to the question) of CSAM users first saw the material when they were under 18 years old." "50.5% (N = 4,843 of 9,599 who replied to the question) report that they first saw CSAM accidentally." "48.1% (N = 4,120 of 8,566 who replied to the question) want to stop using CSAM, and 61.6% (5,200 of 8,447 who replied to the question) have tried to stop using CSAM." "Only 14.0% (N = 985 of 7,013 who responded to the question) of CSAM users have sought help, and 73.9% (N = 728 of 985) of those who sought help have not been able to get it."

Key Insights Distilled From

Investigating child sexual abuse material availability, searches, and users on the anonymous Tor network for a public health intervention strategy

by Juha Nurmi,A... at arxiv.org 04-23-2024

https://arxiv.org/pdf/2404.14112.pdf

Deeper Inquiries

What technological and policy solutions could be implemented to better restrict the availability and distribution of CSAM on the Tor network and other anonymous platforms?

To address the distribution of CSAM on the Tor network and other anonymous platforms, a combination of technological and policy solutions can be implemented: Technological Solutions: Improved Content Filtering: Develop advanced algorithms and machine learning models to accurately detect and filter CSAM content on the Tor network. This can involve text-based detection methods, image recognition technology, and pattern matching algorithms. Enhanced Encryption: Implement stronger encryption protocols to secure data and communications on the Tor network, making it harder for illicit content to be shared and accessed. Blockchain Technology: Utilize blockchain technology to create a transparent and immutable record of content transactions, making it easier to track and trace the distribution of CSAM. Collaborative Efforts: Foster collaboration between tech companies, law enforcement agencies, and cybersecurity experts to develop innovative tools and strategies to combat CSAM distribution. Policy Solutions: International Cooperation: Establish international agreements and partnerships to coordinate efforts in combating CSAM across borders and jurisdictions. Legislation and Regulation: Enact and enforce strict laws and regulations that hold platforms accountable for hosting or facilitating the distribution of CSAM. Implement penalties for non-compliance. User Education: Launch public awareness campaigns to educate users about the legal and ethical implications of accessing CSAM and promote responsible online behavior. Data Retention Policies: Implement data retention policies that require platforms to store information related to CSAM activities for investigation and prosecution purposes. By combining these technological advancements with robust policy measures, it is possible to create a more secure and regulated online environment that restricts the availability and distribution of CSAM on the Tor network and other anonymous platforms.

How can public health and mental health interventions be more effectively designed and deployed to reach and support CSAM users who want to stop their problematic behavior?

To effectively design and deploy public health and mental health interventions for CSAM users seeking to stop their problematic behavior, the following strategies can be implemented: Anonymous Support Services: Establish anonymous online support services that provide counseling, therapy, and resources for CSAM users. Ensure confidentiality and privacy to encourage users to seek help without fear of stigma or legal consequences. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Offer CBT programs tailored to address the underlying issues driving CSAM behavior, such as impulse control, coping mechanisms, and emotional regulation. Provide online CBT modules and resources for self-help. Peer Support Groups: Create online peer support groups where CSAM users can connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and provide mutual encouragement and accountability. Helpline and Chat Services: Develop helpline and chat services staffed by trained professionals who can offer immediate support, crisis intervention, and referrals to mental health professionals or treatment programs. Collaboration with Tech Companies: Partner with tech companies to integrate mental health resources and intervention prompts into search engines and online platforms frequented by CSAM users. Utilize targeted advertising to reach at-risk individuals. Continuous Monitoring and Follow-up: Implement a system for continuous monitoring and follow-up with CSAM users who have sought help to track progress, provide ongoing support, and prevent relapse. By combining these approaches with a user-centered and empathetic approach, public health and mental health interventions can effectively reach and support CSAM users who are motivated to change their behavior.

What are the broader societal and ethical implications of the widespread availability and usage of CSAM, and how can these be addressed through a multidisciplinary approach involving computer science, psychology, law enforcement, and policymakers?

The widespread availability and usage of CSAM have significant societal and ethical implications that require a multidisciplinary approach for effective mitigation: Societal Implications: Child Protection: CSAM perpetuates the exploitation and abuse of children, leading to long-term psychological harm and trauma. Addressing CSAM is crucial for safeguarding children's well-being. Public Health Impact: CSAM use is linked to mental health issues, addiction, and harmful behaviors. It poses a public health risk that requires intervention and prevention strategies. Legal and Ethical Concerns: The distribution and consumption of CSAM violate laws and ethical standards, necessitating legal enforcement and ethical guidelines to combat such activities. Ethical Implications: Privacy and Anonymity: Balancing the need for online privacy and anonymity with the prevention of CSAM poses ethical dilemmas. Striking a balance between privacy rights and child protection is essential. Responsibility and Accountability: Tech companies, policymakers, and users have a shared responsibility to prevent the dissemination of CSAM and hold perpetrators accountable for their actions. Multidisciplinary Approach: Computer Science: Develop advanced technologies for detecting and filtering CSAM, enhancing cybersecurity measures, and tracking online activities related to CSAM. Psychology: Provide mental health support, therapy, and intervention programs for CSAM users to address underlying issues and promote behavior change. Law Enforcement: Enforce laws and regulations to prosecute individuals involved in the distribution and consumption of CSAM, collaborating with tech experts to combat online crimes. Policymakers: Implement policies and regulations that prioritize child protection, online safety, and ethical standards, working with experts from various fields to address the complex challenges posed by CSAM. By integrating expertise from computer science, psychology, law enforcement, and policymakers, a comprehensive approach can be developed to tackle the societal and ethical implications of CSAM, promoting a safer and more responsible online environment.