New Report Reveals Complex Motives and Facilitators Behind Online Child Abuse – Survey of CSAM Users on the Dark Web Reveals Factors Leading to CSAM Use

Helsinki, Finland – September 2, 2024 – Today a groundbreaking new report was published by Protect Children, a child from Helsinki protection Non-GBOwhich reveals the intricate web of factors driving online child abuse. The report, produced in collaboration with the University of Eastern Finland and the Council of the Baltic Sea States as part of the EU-funded Project 2KNOW, provides critical insights into the motivations, facilitators, situational factors and barriers that influence individuals to engage in CSAM-related crimes.

With over 300 million children estimated to be victims of online sexual abuse and exploitation each year, this report highlights the urgency of addressing this global crisis. As the volume of CSAM circulating online continues to increase, fueled by the rapid growth of perpetrator communities and technological advances, understanding the factors that contribute to these offences is essential to developing effective prevention strategies.

“Our report provides a nuanced understanding of the complex drivers behind CSAM violations. By uncovering these motivations and facilitators, we can better inform prevention strategies that are both effective and humane.” Tegan Insoll, lead author of the report, head of research at Protect Children.

“What drives online child abuse? Understanding motivations, facilitators, situational factors and barriers” – insights from a study among undetected perpetrators of child abuse material

Key findings:

• Motivations beyond sexual interest: While sexual interest in children is a known motivator, the report finds that CSAM crime is also motivated by other factors, such as emotional regulation, high libido and sensation-seeking behavior.

• Those assisting in the commission of criminal offences: The report cites several factors that lower the threshold for criminal behavior, including adverse childhood experiences, substance abuse and desensitization to adult pornography.

• Situational factors: Technological advances, the anonymity of the Internet, and the ease of access to explicit content online are important situational factors that facilitate child sexual abuse.

• Barriers to committing crimes: The report examines the barriers to CSAM crimes that perpetrators believe are effective, including intervention programs, deterrent messages and fear of legal consequences.

“This research is critical to the development of targeted interventions that not only address the root causes of CSAM crime, but also strengthen the barriers that prevent individuals from acting on harmful impulses.” Anna Ovaska, Project 2KNOW Coordinator, Deputy Director and Legal Specialist at Protect Children.

The research material was collected on the dark web between July 2023 and June 2024, with a total of 4,549 CSAM users responding to the survey. The findings are based on self-reported data collected through a unique methodology that intercepts users searching for CSAM on the dark web, giving them the opportunity to complete the survey voluntarily and anonymously. The survey, which has been ethically approved by the University of Eastern Finland, offers unprecedented direct insights into the minds of those involved in crimes of sexual violence against children, and provides a comprehensive overview of the psychological, social and situational factors that contribute to offending.

“This report sheds light on the deeply complex and often hidden factors that drive people to commit child abuse online. By understanding these motivations and facilitators, we can take meaningful steps to prevent these crimes and protect the most vulnerable members of our society: our children. We hope that the insights from this report will inspire collective efforts to develop stronger, more effective prevention strategies worldwide.” Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen, Director of Protect Children, Chair of the Victim Support and Offender Management Subgroup, Interpol SGCAC.

About Project 2KNOW: Project 2KNOW is a two-year initiative funded by the European Commission dedicated to improving prevention of and response to online sexual violence against children. By advancing research, improving data collection and turning knowledge into action, the project aims to protect children from the harms of online sexual exploitation.

About Protect Children: Protect Children is a Helsinki-based non-governmental organization working to end all forms of sexual violence against children worldwide. Through research, advocacy and education, Protect Children works to protect the rights of children and support their healthy development in a digital age.

About the University of Eastern Finland: The University of Eastern Finland is an international and inclusive scientific community that promotes research and education across disciplines, with a strong commitment to ethical and socially responsible practices.

About the Council of the Baltic Sea States: The Council of the Baltic Sea States is an intergovernmental political forum for regional cooperation. It brings together 10 Member States and the European Union to address common challenges and promote sustainable development in the Baltic Sea region.

For media inquiriesPlease contact Suojellaan Lapsia, Protect Children ry.

Nina Vaaranen-ValkonenExecutive Director, Senior Specialist, Victim Support and Offender Management Subgroup, Interpol SGCAC

(email address) or +358 40747 8829

Tegan InsolHead of Research at Protect Children, Lead Author of the Report,

(email address) or +358 406102000

Anna OvaskaProject 2KNOW Coordinator, Deputy Director, Legal Specialist

(email address) or +358 40 081 0020