The Film and Publications Board (FPB) in South Africa has reported a concerning increase in child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and sextortion complaints. During the previous financial year, the FPB analysed 1,325,103 items of content, of which 9,250 contained CSAM. The board uses advanced technologies to detect and analyse such material, often found on the dark web.
The FPB's analysis of CSAM is crucial for prosecutions, according to Manala Botolo, assistant manager of communications at the FPB. The Films and Publications Act prohibits the use of children in and exposure of children to child pornography. Possessing, producing, and distributing child pornography is a criminal offence. The FPB works closely with law enforcement agencies to combat the possession, distribution, and creation of CSAM.
The FPB has experienced challenges due to the high volume of content requiring assessment. Botolo added that social media platforms should ensure harmful and illegal content is removed from their platforms, as criminals try to avoid detection. The dark web plays a significant role in accessing such content, using advanced encryption and special software to keep online activities private.
The FPB is educating the public, parents, learners, and teachers about the dangers of social media through education and awareness initiatives. Sharing intimate images without consent and demanding payments is a criminal offence. The FPB hotline receives complaints related to non-consensual sharing of explicit images and videos, which ties in with sextortion.
Schools are part of the FPB's efforts to combat the crime. The FPB has a Regional Advocacy and Outreach team that engages schools and communities on online safety measures and reporting channels. Communities and schools are encouraged to reach out to the FPB and attend sessions. Parents and schools should educate children about the dangers of social media and monitor their online activities.
The FPB's data is linked to violent online networks, such as "764", believed to operate in South Africa. A 16-year-old boy was arrested in Malmesbury in August for allegedly accessing, possessing, facilitating, and downloading child sexual abuse material. The teenager was traced to his home and believed to be linked to the violent online networks.
The arrested teenager faces over 11 charges, including child pornography, sexual exploitation, and animal cruelty. The police discovered explicit images and videos depicting child sexual abuse and animal mutilation on his electronic devices. The FPB and law enforcement agencies continue to work together to combat CSAM and sextortion.
Key points
- The Film and Publication Board analysed 9,250 items containing child sexual abuse material out of 1.3 million items in the previous financial year.
- The FPB is working with law enforcement agencies to combat the possession, distribution, and creation of child sexual abuse material.
- The FPB is educating the public, particularly parents and schools, about the dangers of social media and online safety measures.
