A Vigilante Hacker Took Down 20 Percent Of The Dark Web After Finding Child Porn
Search engines on the dark web are a bit of a contradiction because dark web sites by definition are not indexed by traditional search engines. Many sites go defunct fairly quickly, either because they are shut down for illegal activity, their founders’ close shop after getting bored, or they move to a new address and name to help avoid detection. In this paper, we aimed to study the CSEA landscape in the dark web markets. For that, we systematically compiled a list of CSEA-related keywords from the literature to identify potential English and Chinese dark web markets trading CSAM. In this case, “logins” refer to login credentials for accessing third-party clear web (pornographic) sites; such credentials are often sold on the dark web markets.
1Please note that the cabyc market has 43 weeks’ worth of data due to website maintenance. The results of this research provide some useful insights and evidence to better understand the current stage of CSAM trends on the dark web market. In this section, we present our findings and results, including market policies, market trends and the characteristics of CSAM products.
The Disturbing Reality of Child Porn on the Dark Web
The term child porn dark web encompasses a heinous aspect of cybercrime that preys on the innocence of children. The dark web, a hidden part of the internet, is notorious for hosting illegal activities, among which is the distribution of child pornography.
In some cases, easily accessible AI programs can also be tricked, using specific wording and associations to bypass established guardrails and respond to potentially nefarious prompts. “These are kids that are being generated through AI and as these AI, as the algorithm is receiving more of these images, it can kind of basically improve itself, in a negative way.” Another query that is always asked is finding out proper attribution behind online attacks. It is extremely difficult to work out exactly who has hacked which target, and often the individuals or countries blamed for attacks are very wide of the mark.
Based on the nature of the observed Chinese dark web markets, the aim of the vendors appears to be more about profit-making, rather than the traditional sharing and exchange of CSAM. To some extent, since accessing the TOR network has become pretty easy (i.e. there is less need for complex network knowledge to configure and use TOR), CSAM has been commercialised in the Chinese dark web market. Furthermore, although the results show fluctuations in sales, the general trend is upwards.
Studying a darknet CSAM forum—one that did not require candidate members to submit a post—Van der Bruggen et al. (2022) found that during the 8‑month period this forum was online, nearly 97% of its visitors did not communicate on the public part of the forum. These 97% accounts were classified by this research as “lurkers” or commonly referred by members of the online CSAM communities as “free-riders”—users who benefit from the community but do not contribute. However, despite so few visitors communicating, nine out of every ten forum visitors did attempt to download CSAM at least once (van der Bruggen et al. 2022). The average visitor was active on the forum for a period of 2–3 months, spending almost 1 h per week browsing through the forum content. The rise of social media also gave rise to dedicated online forums focusing on “child love” (Goldman and Ronken 2000).
The Silk Road was a series of dark websites that enabled an estimated $1.2 billion in drug, child porn and software sales before it was shut down in 2014. The community further protects itself by carrying out all their communication anonymously on Tor and keeping vigilant moderators. Pam actually posted on 7axxn as a researcher, seeking to poll the population. UK and US authorities investigating a “dark web” child pornography site run from South Korea on Wednesday announced the arrest of 337 suspects in 38 countries.
Understanding the Dark Web
The dark web is not accessible through standard web browsers. It requires specific software, such as Tor, to access its hidden sites. This anonymity attracts individuals who engage in illegal activities, including the trade of child porn.
And particularly, investigators gained insight into the platform’s users when they seized Son’s server. But given that the site had capacity for a million users and about 340 were arrested in connection with the investigation, there are likely scores of users whose identities remain hidden. Welcome to Video made money by charging fees in bitcoin, and gave each user a unique bitcoin wallet address when they created an account. Son operated the site as a Tor hidden service, a dark web site with a special address that helps mask the identity of the site’s host and its location.
The Internet was used by half of the households in North America in the early 2000s and by most (90%) of the households by 2018 (Martin 2021). With it, the Internet changed nature from a publishing medium to a participatory medium; a place where users can communicate, interact, and create user-generated content in budding virtual communities. By now, some of these communities have become household names (e.g., Facebook, Twitter), every day serving billions of users worldwide.
Characteristics of Child Pornography on the Dark Web
Within the realms of the dark web, child pornography is often characterized by:
- Extreme Anonymity: Users can hide their identities, making it difficult for law enforcement to track them down.
- Cryptocurrency Transactions: Payments for child pornographic material are often made using cryptocurrencies to further obscure the persons involved.
- Decentralized Networks: The use of decentralized platforms allows for the distribution of illegal materials without a central authority.
Why the Dark Web is a Haven for Child Exploitation
The dark web provides a breeding ground for child porn due to several factors:
- Lack of Regulation: There are minimal controls or regulations, allowing for a free exchange of illicit content.
- Community Support: Certain users band together to promote and share this content, often normalizing their actions.
- Geographical Barriers: Individuals from around the world can connect, making it a global issue.
Impact on Victims
The implications of child porn dark web activities extend far beyond the distribution of images and videos. Victims of child pornography experience:
- Severe Psychological Trauma: Exposure and exploitation can lead to depression, anxiety, and lifelong psychological scars.
- Stigmatization: Victims often face societal stigma, leading to isolation and difficulties in reintegrating into society.
- Re-victimization: The existence of these materials allows for the continual victimization of the individuals shown in the content.
Combating Child Pornography on the Dark Web
Efforts to combat this issue involve a multi-faceted approach, including:
- Law Enforcement Operations: Agencies worldwide are working together to track, arrest, and prosecute offenders.
- Advanced Monitoring Techniques: Implementing technology that is capable of tracing transactions and activities related to child porn.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Educating individuals about the signs of exploitation and how to report it can help in prevention efforts.
FAQs About Child Porn on the Dark Web
- Today’s announcement demonstrates that the Department of Justice remains firmly committed to working closely with our partners in South Korea and around the world to rescue child victims and bring to justice the perpetrators of these abhorrent crimes,” he added.
- You won’t be committing criminal acts, though, if you use the dark web to participate in forums or to read hidden blog posts anonymously.
- The access to technology and a connected community via the Internet has enabled the distribution, possession, and creation of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) to increase.
- Investigators viewed the hundreds of arrests as a success for authorities in their battle against illegal sites, which use cryptocurrencies because of their presumed anonymity and ability to render purchasers untraceable.
Q: How is child pornography distributed on the dark web?
A: It is typically distributed through forums, marketplaces, and encrypted channels that allow users to remain anonymous.
Q: Is it safe to report child pornography found on the dark web?
A: Yes, reporting it is crucial. Many law enforcement agencies have protocols in place to protect informants.
Q: What can individuals do to help combat this issue?
A: Stay informed, support organizations that focus on prevention and recovery, and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
Conclusion
The issue of child porn dark web is a grave threat that demands immediate attention from society. By educating ourselves and advocating for the victims, we can work towards a world where children are safe from exploitation.
