Technology Used To Commit Computer Crimes Against Children

Among all, children and teenagers are one of the fastest growing groups of internet users. As per an estimate, more than 85 million kids now have access to the internet in the United States. Apart from the benefits, there are also several dangers for both children and adults due to unregulated use of internet. The most worrying internet-related danger for children is that they can become victims of predatory activities by criminals who abuse the internet to identify, contact and perpetrate crimes against children.

Internet crimes against children are of different types. The most dangerous are those that are committed by pedophiles or child sexual abusers. Online grooming is the technique used by these psychopaths to lure children into gruesome activities like child pornography, child prostitution, child trafficking and converting children into terrorists and criminals.

Children and teenagers are the most attractive target for criminals because they are naïve, vulnerable, easy to mold, extremely curious and are constantly eager for attention. Statistics reveal that the number of internet related crimes against children has increased at a staggering rate over the last decade.

There are various advantages afforded by computers and internet due to which criminals use this technology to perpetrate their crime.

1. Computers and internet are easily accessible to children.
2. Technology can be used by criminals to gain anonymity in identity.
3. Through internet, a criminal is not limited by geographical boundaries in order to commit a crime.
4. One can gain access to private details of the victim including telephone number, email ID and picture through internet
5. It is easier to duplicate and distribute pornographic or other inappropriate information through internet without the victim’s knowledge.