PROFESSOR NIRMALA GOPAL
CHILD pornography represents a deeply entrenched and pervasive crime that knows no borders, posing an urgent threat to the safety and well-being of children around the globe. Governments worldwide bear an essential duty to safeguard minors from exploitation and abuse, yet despite this crucial responsibility, numerous child pornography rings continue to operate, often slipping through the cracks of detection and enforcement.
These networks frequently utilise advanced techniques and technologies to exploit gaps in legal frameworks and law enforcement resources, complicating the efforts of authorities striving to dismantle these criminal operations.
The advent of the internet has fundamentally transformed the landscape of content distribution, including the spread of pornographic materials. Tragically, this increased accessibility has simultaneously fuelled the ongoing crisis of child pornography online— a significant societal problem that not only victimises countless children but also perpetuates a disturbing cycle of exploitation and abuse.
With the rise of digital technologies, particularly peer-to-peer networking, the dissemination of child pornography has become alarmingly simple. Child pornography is the documentation or recording of the child's sexual abuse. In today’s rapidly evolving technological landscape, most electronic devices are designed to connect seamlessly to the online world. While the primary intent of these devices is to enhance communication, education, and entertainment, their inherent online capabilities inadvertently increase access to illicit materials. The implications of this connectivity are especially alarming when it comes to pornography and child exploitation.
Statistics reveal a staggering and concerning reality: approximately 4.2 million websites are dedicated to pornography, which constitutes about 12% of all websites on the internet (Ropelato, 2013). This overwhelming presence not only normalises adult content but also sets a dangerous precedent for the accessibility of illegal materials. The situation is exacerbated by the grim figures surrounding child pornography. Reports indicate there are around 116 000 daily requests for child pornography, and an estimated 100,000 websites are engaged in providing “illegal” child pornography (“Internet Pornography Statistics,” n.d.).
Even more troubling is the chilling estimate that around 500 000 individuals are suspected of participating in the online trafficking of child pornography. Currently, it’s believed that over five million unique child pornographic materials are circulating on the internet (Government of Canada, 2009).
However, quantifying the exact amount of such material poses significant challenges. In South Africa, the formal criminalisation of child pornography was a relatively slow-moving process – through the various legislative Acts, their amendments starting with the 1996 Films and Publications Act and culminating in the Cybercrimes Act of 2020 – an almost 25-year period of complete criminalisation and supporting Acts aimed at combatting online child pornography and Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse (CSEAM). The “SA Kids Online Study,” conducted by UNICEF South Africa in collaboration with the Department of Social Development, unveiled significant insights into children's online behaviours and experiences.
The study revealed that 70% of surveyed children access the Internet without obtaining parental consent, highlighting a potential gap in supervision and guidance in the digital landscape. Furthermore, 25% of participants admitted to adding individuals to their online friends or contacts list whom they had never met. This raises important questions about the implications of online relationships and the risks of connecting with strangers.
Moreover, 18% of the children reported sharing photos or videos of themselves with individuals they had not met face-to-face, underscoring an alarming trend in privacy and self-exposure among young Internet users. The research also found that 67% of child participants who encountered sexual images did so via online devices, indicating a pressing need for better digital safety measures and education regarding the potential hazards of the internet.
These findings emphasise the need for increased awareness and proactive steps to ensure children's safety in the ever-evolving digital world.
The dynamic nature of the internet complicates efforts to count these materials, as websites frequently change their domain names, utilise temporary hosting services, and often become concealed within the “dark net”—a hidden segment of the internet inaccessible to standard search engines (Ly, Murphy, & Fedoroff, 2016).
Unlike in previous decades, when such detrimental content was confined to discreet mail deliveries or the secluded aisles of adult bookstores, today, it can be disseminated rapidly and anonymously. The rise of high-speed internet connections and peer-to-peer applications has transformed how these materials are shared, making it easier for individuals to access and distribute them without detection. This dramatic shift not only threatens the safety of vulnerable populations, particularly children, but also calls for urgent societal and regulatory responses to combat these alarming trends in online exploitation.
This veil of anonymity, coupled with the vast reach of the internet, fosters an environment fertile for offenders, presenting unique challenges for law enforcement and child protection agencies tasked with combating these heinous crimes. The difficulties in tracing digital footprints and identifying perpetrators make it increasingly complex to uphold justice for victims.
Moreover, the widespread availability of such illicit material carries far-reaching implications for society. It not only inflicts profound harm on individual victims but also contributes to a broader cultural climate that may foster a troubling tolerance for exploitation and lead to a disturbing desensitisation toward the serious nature of these offences.
By diminishing societal outrage and empathy for the victims, the prevalence of child pornography threatens to normalise abusive behaviours and attitudes, making it imperative for governments, communities, and individuals to unite in a concerted effort to eradicate this abhorrent crime and protect the most vulnerable among us.
Addressing this issue's complexities requires comprehensive strategies encompassing stricter regulations, public awareness campaigns, and robust support systems for victims.
One practical approach involves gradually introducing children to smart devices and various media platforms. This can be achieved by limiting the number of applications installed on their devices to encourage focused use and prevent overwhelming them with options. Choosing one or two applications that can be explored in depth is beneficial, promoting a more meaningful engagement with technology.
Establishing clear house rules is another critical step in fostering a healthier digital environment. For instance, it is advisable to enforce a policy of no device use in bedrooms or bathrooms, as these spaces should be free from distractions that can interfere with sleep and personal well-being. Additionally, setting a limit on screen time, preferably under two hours per day for entertainment, helps ensure that children's experiences with media remain balanced and healthy.
It's essential to prioritise open communication about online interactions. Children should never be encouraged to arrange to meet a virtual friend in real life without consulting a trusted adult. This step is crucial for their safety and fosters a culture of openness about their online relationships.
Furthermore, teaching children to resist peer pressure is vital. They should feel empowered to say no, especially when it comes to sharing sensitive or sexually explicit images, which can have serious repercussions. It’s essential to reinforce that it is never too late to say “STOP” and seek help if they find themselves in uncomfortable or distressing situations.
Finally, ensure that children know the various channels available for reporting content that makes them uneasy. By providing these tools, we can equip the younger generation with the confidence and resources they need to navigate the digital landscape safely.
As such, there is an urgent need for enhanced international collaboration and robust legislative measures to effectively combat this heinous crime and safeguard the rights of children.
Nirmala Gopal is an academic leader: School of Applied Human Science at the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media