C.S.E.M. and THE DARK WEB

 C.S.E.M. and THE DARK WEB

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  C.S.E.M. has existed far before the times of the internet.

However, the invention of the internet has opened new

opportunities for predators/offenders in an online environment.

Not to mention, the anonymity, accessibility, and affordability

of the internet itself. This makes the internet an attractive place

for offenders to seek out and pursue certain types of information

and material. In addition, people can connect with a large/vast

amount of people from around the world. The "dark web"

offers even further anonymity for offenders; mainly through

additional layers of encryption.

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ON THE DARK WEB

   The dark web is a space where users can find anything ILLEGAL

from drugs, stolen merchandise, as well as C.S.E.M. material.

Offenders flock to online "communities", like markets; as well as

a place where users can share material, advise, and information.

Users often share security tips about privacy and its effectiveness;

and other ways to avoid any LE attention.

   For those users interested in trading and sharing C.S.E.M.

for commercial reasons by communicating with like-minded

individuals.

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THREAT ASSESSMENTS, C.S.E.M., THE DARK WEB

    Among the many conclusions derived from threat assessments

it was found that the dark web was a KEY ENABLER for the

trading in a wide range of criminal production and criminal

services.

   C.S.E.M. forums exist on the dark web for illegal activation

in droves. 

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WHAT RESEARCH SUGGESTS

   More studies have conducted from a psychological perspective 

have predominately examined the offenders characteristics,

demographics, as well as their motivations. Conviction rates,

as well as re-offending rates, with the focus on who downloads,

distributes, as well as produces C.S.E.M.

  Some offenders were motivated by access and opportunity.

While, other offenders, download the C.S.E.M. for reasons

of sexual stimulation, arousal, and the gratification of

possible financial gain.

     Research shows that, just as offline, there are similar

"networks of pedophiles." They provide users with peer support,

validation, and further access. Offenders/people in these groups

tend to reinforce and validate each other's beliefs ; as well as

their sexual interactions, sexual preferences, and behavior.

These online forums are often "peer moderated" and are places

where offenders support each other.

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JUSTIFICATIONS

  Researchers focused on distorted thinking that was supportive

of offending behavior involved sexual abuse of children. First, 

commonly held attitudes and beliefs functioned to strengthen

the offender/user's attempts at:

1. denial of victim

2. condemning the condemner; these users/offenders do not

want to consider that sexual abuse of children is "wrong",

and is viewed negatively by society as a whole but still

look at the images

  Participants in research studies claimed that they accessed

the C.S.E.M. for purposes of sexual stimulation, arousal,

accompanied by self-gratification. Many simple justifications

were as simple as: "they are just pictures", or "I was just looking."

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FUNCTION OF ONLINE NETWORKS/GROUPS

  Online networks of those with common interests have created

a sub-culture of online pedophiles. Pedophiles whose attitudes

and beliefs are supported by their behavior and a sense of

belonging. Furthermore, offenders who have a particular interest

in children gravitate toward environments where there are

like-minded individuals who provide an entire online 

support system.