We have been aware of child prostitution and its harmful effects on children for a long time. Yet, today we face a new phenomenon; one that is changing the face of the sexual exploitation of children: Darknet.
Darknet is what we call the “hidden depths of the web”. Created around 10 years ago, Darknet is the non-referenced Internet sphere where users can surf and share information whilst enjoying complete anonymity.
Therefore, as opposed to the traditional Internet where sexual predators are relatively easy to locate, the anonymity that Darknet provides them with, basically translates to complete freedom, which allows them to use child sex services without worrying about the authorities.
Furthermore, to help grasp the magnitude of this phenomenon, it is noteworthy that pedophilic content was one of the first items to be posted on Darknet! There are even forums in which pedophiles can exchange advice on how to approach young children.
As a result, child pornography websites are being created with total impunity, despite the significant “digital” interventions by the FBI and Anonymous to take certain sites down, such as Lolita City, to name just one example.
The battle for the protection of children, as fierce as it may be, is certainly not over. In fact, networks are sometimes recreated after they have been taken down. Thus, at present, Darknet is still endangering children’s rights.
In the future, more efforts shall be made in order to contain this phenomenon and protect children.
Written by: Marlène Joris Translated by: Tara Lowe Proofread by : Sandani Yapa Abeywardena |
