Applying methods & lessons learned from online illicit trade detection to CSA text links

In 2022 over 2.7 million links (of which 1.2 million were thought to be unique) were being shared in unregulated chat networks - where criminals are trading child sexual abuse material and discussing the abuse of children. (Source: Child Rescue Coalition)

Vistalworks has a proven track record in innovating to target online illicit trade, with active products and services being used by enforcement agencies and ecommerce marketplaces in the UK and beyond.

There are several important commonalities between the most evasive online illicit trading tactics and the sharing of CSAM links.

Our proposal is to take the most appropriate methods and learnings from our focus on illegal selling listings on public platforms, marketplaces and search engines, then apply this to CSAM links to improve detection and content moderation.