The Internet Watch Foundation has reported a significant rise in the production of sexual abuse images using webcams and similar recording equipment across the globe. The increase has been staggering, with the number of such images having multiplied ten times since 2019.
Social media platforms and chatrooms are frequently utilized by perpetrators to initiate contact with minors, and the abuse may take place both in virtual and real-world settings. With the ongoing advancements in technology, predators are increasingly resorting to technology-based means to carry out sexual exploitation of children. Predators can exploit a child's webcam to produce, capture, and distribute child pornography.
The approach researchers followed was to develop a set of automated chatbots impersonating 13-year-old girls. These bots were deployed as bait to lure online predators present in various chatrooms typically frequented by children.
The chatbots were designed to remain passive and respond only to individuals indicating that they were above 18 years of age.
At the outset of each conversation, the bots revealed their age, sex, and geographical location, adhering to established chatroom norms. This ensured that the conversations were exclusive with adults knowingly and voluntarily conversing with an underage individual.
Although it is plausible that some chat partners were underage and posing as adults, existing research indicates that online predators usually misrepresent their age, portraying themselves as younger rather than older.
According to the research, their chatbots engaged in a total of 953 conversations with individuals who self-identified as adults and were informed that they were communicating with a 13-year-old girl. Almost all of these exchanges had a sexual undertone, with a particular focus on webcam usage. Some perpetrators were explicit in their requests and offered payment for child sexual abuse material, while others tried to persuade the child to provide such content through the promise of love and future prospects.
Moreover, as per the report published by the researcher, they have found that 39% of the conversations involved unsolicited links. Upon forensic examination of these links, they discovered that 19% of them (71 links) contained malware, while 5% (18 links) directed the user to phishing websites. Additionally, the researchers noted that 41% (154 links) of the links were linked to Whereby, a video conferencing platform operated by a Norwegian company.
The initial step towards creating a secure and dependable cyberspace is through raising awareness. The team of researchers said that parents and policymakers should start recognizing such problems and start taking measures against cyber threats.
Following this, the researchers recommended following safety steps.
Firstly, make sure to cover your child's webcam to prevent potential predators from spying on them. Although this may not entirely prevent online sexual abuse, it is an essential measure to protect your child's privacy.
Secondly, closely monitor your child's online activities, as the anonymity of social media platforms and chatrooms can provide a means for predators to initiate contact.
It is important to remind your child that online strangers should be treated with caution, just like strangers in the real world. Educate them about the potential dangers of interacting with unknown individuals online.
