Written by Tampere University
Ofcom and Protect Children published the “CSAM Perpetrator Research Report”, which explores how perpetrators use and exploit digital platforms and services designed to view, host, and distribute this type of content.
Researchers analyzed exactly 20,592 survey responses from individuals actively searching for CSAM material on Ahmia. Respondents aged 18 to 24 represent 45% of the group, and those aged 25 to 34 represent 30%. Men comprise 76% of participants, women 10%, non-binary individuals 7%, and others 7%.
By age 10, 13% of respondents had seen CSAM. 59% had seen it by the age of 18. Unintentional exposure caused the first experience for 46% of respondents. Specifically, 24% saw the material online without searching, and peers showed or sent it to 22%. By age 10, 12% actively searched for CSAM, and by age 18, 57% actively searched for it.
Respondents view content featuring victims of various ages: 50% view children aged 11 to 14, 51% view ages 15 to 17, 29% view age groups 4 to 10, and 10% view ages 0 to 3. Furthermore, 88% view girls, and 28% view boys. Regarding severity, 29% view violent sexual activity, and 24% view material involving animals.
Platform usage spans both networks: 63% use dark web platforms, and 61% use open web platforms. Additionally, 46% store CSAM.
Read the full report.
