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Pornography and the Pedophile

October 4, 2023

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Pornography and the Pedophile

With the internet, Pornography is everywhere. Let’s not shy away, this is critical and needs to be discussed and how it relates to people and especially children. 

What is pornography?

Pornography is when people make particularly sexually explicit images, videos, stories, and even games. It is designed to make people feel sexually excited. But sometimes this can be a big problem.

How Common is Pornography

Many people view pornography on the Internet. In fact, much of what is seen on the Internet is pornographic. This means that it is everywhere. Pornography has become more common due to easy access and anonymity provided by the web. Here’s a glimpse of widespread consumption of pornography:

  • A significant portion of internet traffic is specifically directed towards adult websites.
  • The internet has significantly made the availability of the content easier even to minors.
  • The normalization of the pornography has particularly made the consumption rates go higher.

Some key facts:

  • There are around 500,000 active predators particularly on the internet every day.
  • A majority of convicted offenders are men who specifically prey on children ages 6 to 17, rough estimates put the rate of pedophilic attraction at 1 to 4 percent in both men and women.
  • 40 million American particularly people regularly visit porn sites. 
  • 35% of all internet downloads are significantly related to pornography.
  • 34% of internet users have experienced unwanted exposure to pornographic content through ads, pop up ads, misdirected links or emails. 
  • Twelve percent of websites on the Internet are pornographic.

Why is pornography a concern?

While some people may watch porn and it’s not a big deal to them, there are some big concerns:

  1. Privacy and consent: How people in videos or photos got there is also a concern. Sometimes they don’t want to be in those videos, but they are forced into it or tricked. Therefore, this is a serious problem.
  1. Impact on teens: Teens are still learning about sex and relationships. If particularly they have watched pornography in the past.
  1. Morphing and blackmail: Morphing means changing pictures or videos with computers. Bad people use it to make fake pictures or videos of others and threaten to show them to others unless they do what they want. We must be particularly cautious online and learn to stay safe.
  1. Addiction: Some people start watching porn all the time, and it can be very difficult to stop. 
  1. Problems in relationships: Sometimes, when people watch too much porn, they have problems in their relationships. They have a poor sexual outlook or dissatisfaction with their partners.
  1. Getting used to bad things: There is concern that if people watch too much porn, they may become accustomed to seeing bad things. It can make you think that violence or dealing with people is okay.

How do Porn Websites Make Money?

Porn is one of the biggest industry and no doubt it is also one of the most profitable industry.

Free porn is something more popular than Facebook or Google. The more you see, the more you get addicted. Porn Internet Marketers use this simple logic to attract millions of visitors and earn billions and even more

So here’s how porn websites make money:

  1. Premium Content

Nobody hates free content but premium sections are also provided for better quality and unlimited accessibility. Hence generating a steady stream of revenue from subscribers.

  1. Video Ads

Like YouTube, they also show advertisements on the videos. Sometimes they display ads during the play but the users will have the option to close it. They also show ads when a user pauses the video.

  1. Affiliate Marketing

Many adult websites engage in affiliate marketing, promoting products and services related to sexual health and wellness.

  1. Advertising Revenue

Pornography websites earn a substantial income through advertisements, given the high volume of traffic they attract. Child pornography generates around $3 billion annually.

  1. Merchandising

Some adult sites sell merchandise such as adult toys and accessories to diversify their income sources.

How it is Getting Converted into Flesh Trade

The connection between pornography and the flesh trade is a disturbing aspect of the adult industry:

  • Exploitation: In some cases, individuals involved in pornography may be victims of exploitation which can blur the line between consensual adult participation and sex trafficking. Some individuals may be forced significantly into participating in pornographic content against their will. 
  • Trafficking: There is a connection between the demand for pornography and the specifically demand for commercial sex, including trafficking victims. Some argue that the normalization of explicit content in society contributes to an increased demand for sexual services which can perpetuate sex trafficking.
  • Criminal Networks: Organized crime networks can profit from both pornography and the flesh trade, particularly creating a sinister web of criminal activity. They often use both pornography and sex trafficking to make money. They force people into making explicit videos and also make them do bad things for money.

What are the illegalities in Pornography?

While pornography is legal in many places, there are several illegal aspects associated with 

  1. Child Pornography: The creation, distribution, or possession of explicit content particularly involving minors is a severe criminal offense.
  2. Non-consensual Content: Sharing explicit material without the consent of all parties involved is illegal and can lead to legal consequences.
  3. Lack of Age Verification: Many pornographic websites fail to implement robust age verification systems, making it easy for minors to access explicit content.

Why Pornography is Completely Blocked in UAE and KSA?

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia (KSA) have strict regulations when it comes to pornography and explicit content for several reasons:

  1. Cultural and Religious Values
  2. Legal Framework
  3. Social Cohesion
  4. Protection of Public Morality
  5. Government Regulation
  6. Deterrence

Strict measures are taken to block access to pornography:

  • Comprehensive Filtering: Extensive internet censorship is enforced to prevent access to pornographic websites.
  • Legal Penalties: Violators of these restrictions can face significant legal penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
  • Cultural and Religious Factors: These measures align with the conservative values and religious beliefs prevalent in these countries.

Pedophiles and Cybercrime

The internet has provided a platform for individuals with malicious intent to harm and exploit children. Cybercrimes involving pedophilia include:

  1. Grooming: Predators often use online platforms to groom potential victims, particularly building trust before exploiting them.
  2. Distribution of Explicit Content: The internet facilitates the distribution of explicit material involving minors, perpetuating child exploitation.
  3. Online Harassment: Children can be subjected to online harassment and threats by individuals with harmful intentions.

Pedophiles and the DarkWeb 

The dark web is an encrypted and anonymous part of the internet that supports illegal activities including pedophilia:

So the question can be –  Why does the Dark Web Exist?

The dark web was initially used by the United States Department of Defense to communicate anonymously but the dark web has now become a hub for users wishing to remain anonymous around the world and do illegal activities.

Over 80 Percent of Dark-Web Visits Relate to Pedophilia

Study indicates that an overwhelming majority of Dark Web traffic is driven by the darkest activity: the sexual abuse of children.The dark web hosts forums and marketplaces where explicit content involving minors is shared and sold.

The dark web is similar to Chor Bazar (also known as the “Thieves Market”) where stolen and second hand goods are sold. Similarly the dark web is a hub for illegal goods and services, including child exploitation materials.

Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)

Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC), a child pornography law was developed in 1998, in response to an ever-increasing number of children and teenagers using the Internet. 

It helps state and local law enforcement agencies develop an effective response to technology-facilitated child sexual abuse images exploitation and Internet crimes against children. This help encompasses forensic and investigative components, training and technical assistance, victim services, and community education.

ICAC  are a grave concern encompassing various offenses:

  1. Cyberbullying: Children can become victims of cyberbullying, experiencing emotional distress from online harassment.
  2. Sexting: The exchange of explicit content among minors can lead to legal consequences and emotional trauma.
  3. Child Grooming: Online predators target children for grooming, aiming to exploit them sexually or emotionally.

Steps to Stop Child Abuse and Maltreatment 

Ensuring child safety online is a shared responsibility. Here are steps to report child abuse:

Step 1: Ensure the Child’s Immediate Safety: If the child is in immediate danger or at risk of harm, call emergency services (e.g., 911 in the United States) right away to ensure their safety.

Step 2: Document Your Concerns: Write down or make notes about what you’ve observed or heard regarding the child’s safety or well-being. Include dates, times, locations, and any details you find relevant.

Step 3: Contact Your Local Child Protective Services (CPS): Research and find the contact information for your local CPS agency or child welfare services. This can often be found online or in the phone directory.

Step 4: How to Report a Child Abuse: There are ways you can help stop child maltreatment if you suspect or know that a child is being abused or neglected. If you or someone else is in immediate and serious danger, you should call 911. For more info click here  

You can also visit  National Child Helpline Number which is a National Center for reporting Child Abuse.

Step 5: Provide Necessary Information: When speaking to CPS, be prepared to provide details about the child’s name, age, address, and any information you have about the suspected abuse. Describe your concerns and the reasons for your report.

Step 6: Remain Anonymous (if desired): You have the option to make an anonymous report in many places if you’re concerned about your identity being disclosed.

Step 7: Follow Up: If you don’t see a timely response from CPS or if you believe the child is still at risk, consider following up with them to ensure that the case is being investigated.

Step 8: Cooperate with Authorities: If you are contacted by CPS or law enforcement as part of their investigation, cooperate fully. Provide any additional information or evidence you may have.

Step 9: Maintain Confidentiality: It’s essential to respect the privacy and confidentiality of the child and the investigation. Do not discuss your suspicions with anyone who does not need to know.

Step 10: Support the Child: If you are close to the child, offer emotional support and reassurance. Let them know that they are not alone and that there are people who care about their well-being.

Conclusion

Online pornography and pedo are­ significant and urgent concerns that demand our colle­ctive attention. To effe­ctively combat these crime­s and safeguard our children, it is crucial to prioritize online­ safety and education. 

By addressing the­se challenges, we­ can strive to create a safe digital environment that shields childre­n from the horrific realities of e­xploitation and pornography.

References:

Child Pornography on the Internet

Commercial Child Pornography and Pedophile Organizations: An International Report

Pornography and It’s Impact On Sexual Exploitation

Related Terms:

Cyber Awareness

Cyber Safety

Cyber solutions

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Importance of women in cybersecurity 

Top 10 cyber crime against women

International day of women and girls in science 

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