The Dark Side of the Internet "child pornography" should stop now

 

The Dark Side of the Internet: How Child Pornography Thrives Online

At one time, child pornography was almost completely relegated to the shadowy corners of the Internet—the Dark Web, if you will. Unfortunately, there are now more ways than ever before to view the disturbing images and videos of minors being forced into sex acts. While these images are no longer solely on the Dark Web, they can still be difficult to find—and even more difficult to report or remove from sites that distribute them. Here’s how child pornography continues to flourish online and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones from exposure.

A quick introduction to child pornography

First, a simple definition: child pornography is a type of media in which an actual or realistic representation of a minor (someone who is 17 years old or younger) performing sexual acts, or simulating sexual acts for camera entertainment. The numbers are disturbing: as much as 20 percent to 40 percent of all files on peer-to-peer file sharing networks are pornographic images of children; and according to an FBI cyber crimes unit report, three quarters (75%) involve images that depict minors under age 12.

Understanding online predators

Many people, even those who are aware of child pornography’s pervasiveness, mistakenly believe that viewing child pornography is a victimless crime. However, they fail to realize how often children become victims themselves in a process that begins with images taken by predators and ends with juveniles being molested and/or forced into producing their own pornographic images. The increased popularity of online chat rooms among minors only increases opportunities for predators.

Why is it so easy to access kiddie porn?

It’s a perverse fact that, in today’s world, it’s actually easier to find images of child porn than it is to access adult content. Why? Because there are simply more websites dedicated to peddling kiddie porn.

Are you, your kids safe online?

The internet is an incredible tool, connecting us all to a wealth of information and new people and opportunities. But as we spend more time in front of our screens—as individuals, and as a society—how do we ensure that our online lives stay safe? There are plenty of threats out there, from shady webpages to cyber bullies and beyond. Keep your kids safe by teaching them how to navigate cyberspace wisely; keep yourself safe by learning how to spot dangerous websites before you visit them.