Authors: Juha Nurmi, Arttu Paju, Billy Bob Brumley, Tegan Insoll, Anna K. Ovaska, Valeriia Soloveva, Nina Vaaranen-Valkonen, Mikko Aaltonen, David Arroyo

Published on: April 22, 2024

Impact Score: 8.2

Arxiv code: Arxiv:2404.14112

Summary

• What is new: The paper provides a comprehensive analysis of CSAM distribution on the Tor network, highlighting the ease of access through popular search engines and quantifying users’ search behaviors and demographics. It introduces effective filtering methods for search engines, an innovative intervention strategy, and detailed insights from a user survey on CSAM consumption patterns and the psychological profile of users.
• Why this is important: The widespread availability and ease of access to illicit child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the Tor network.
• What the research proposes: Accurate filtering for Tor search engines, an intervention mechanism, and a questionnaire for CSAM users to understand and mitigate their usage.
• Results: The study reveals shocking statistics about CSAM search trends by age, demonstrates that a significant portion of users want to stop using CSAM, and uncovers a lack of available help for those seeking it, alongside commonalities between CSAM use and addiction.

Technical Details

Technological frameworks used: Analysis of onion domains, Tor search engine data, and user survey responses.

Models used: Statistical analysis and demographic modeling of CSAM users.

Data used: 176,683 onion domains, 110,133,715 search sessions, and 11,470 survey responses.

Potential Impact

Online anonymity services, digital safety tools, mental health support platforms, and child protection services could benefit from these insights to enhance their interventions, policies, and tools for combating CSAM.

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