Increase In Cyber-Trafficking Exploitation

Increase In Cyber-Trafficking Exploitation

The National Center For Missing and Exploited Children received over 21.7 million reports in 2020. Within those reports there were over 65.4 million images and videos of sexually explicit material of children.

This form of trafficking enables traffickers to sexually exploit children in front of a global audience and make a profit at their expense. One victim in front of one laptop can reach million of viewers who are willing to pay for virtual explicit content. One person trafficked in Nepal can be sold in seconds around the globe.

And this growing trend does not only take advantage of children, but the most vulnerable worldwide. A New York Times article reported that over 60% of female North Korean refugees to China are cybersex trafficked. These women are locked in apartments for days and forced to perform sex acts for South Korean clients in front of a computer screen. And the pandemic lockdowns due to COVID19 have only exacberated cybersex exploitation, making it easier for traffickers to lock refugee and child victims away from any outside help.

But we don’t have to sit silent with our hands tied. Because of tip reports from regular people like you and me and electronic service providers over 19,100 victims have been identified by law enforcement. Our awareness and willingness to speak up is the difference between slavery and freedom.

Have you or someone you know uncovered child sexual abuse online? Report it. Contact the CyberTipline.org and report it to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children or call 1-800-THE-LOST.