Detection of pedophilia content online: A case study using Telegram

Abstract

Users of social media can consume a wide range of subjects and information, including pornography. Pornography usage as well as the difficulties linked with this sort of content have increased over time, particularly among teens. Now, another sort of pornographic content is popular: child pornography (CP). Controlling online CP has always been a difficult task for the international community. The introduction, growth, and use of information and communication technologies coincide with an increase in illegal activities. In terms of cyberspace, children’s huge online presence as well as the emergence of CP as a business compel all governments to enact tough legislation and unite worldwide to combat this issue. Is social media assisting in the dissemination of this content? To understand this issue further, a study conducted in 2021 using Telegram data on the consumption of CP followed by a series of analyses show Telegram’s potential effect on the spread and consumption of this type of content.