Exploitation

How is exploitation defined?

Government of Canada defines exploitation as, “online child sexual exploitation is when children are tricked into seeing or participating in online encounters of a sexual nature”.

The Canadian Centre for Child Protection processes more than 100,000 reports every month.

  • Online sexual exploitation frequently occurs on platforms designed for social interaction, gaming, or content sharing. The most common venues include social media platforms like:

    • Snapchat

    • Instagram

    • Facebook

    • TikTok

    As well as messaging apps such as:

    • WhatsApp

    • Discord

    • Telegram

    Additionally, live-streaming platforms and gaming environments, such as multiplayer games with chat functions, are exploited by offenders seeking anonymity and direct access to victims.

    • Dark web forums and encrypted platforms also play a significant role in distributing exploitative content, often making detection and intervention more challenging. The rise of artificial intelligence tools and digital payment systems has further complicated tracking and combating exploitation​.

    To reduce risks, these platforms and law enforcement agencies are employing technologies to detect and report exploitation, but users and guardians should remain vigilant and aware of online activity.

  • Online sexual exploitation takes various forms and often involves manipulating or coercing individuals—particularly minors—into engaging in sexual activities or sharing explicit content. Some common manifestations include:

    • Grooming: Predators establish trust with victims over time, often posing as peers or trusted figures. This can involve flattery, attention, or gifts to manipulate the victim into sharing explicit content or meeting in person.

    • Non-Consensual Image Sharing: This includes the distribution of explicit images or videos without the individual's consent, sometimes used to blackmail victims into further exploitation ("sextortion").

    • Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM): The production, possession, or distribution of explicit content involving children is a severe form of online sexual exploitation, punishable under Canadian law.

    • Trafficking and Exploitation Through Online Platforms: Traffickers use social media, dating apps, or other platforms to recruit and exploit individuals, often by deceiving them with false promises or opportunities.

    • Coercion in Live-Streaming: Victims may be forced or manipulated into performing explicit acts on live video streams, often for paying audiences.

    • Harassment or Cyberstalking: Persistent, unwanted advances or sexual harassment, including sending unsolicited explicit content or making inappropriate comments, is a form of exploitation.

    • Financial Exploitation: Predators may manipulate victims into sharing explicit content in exchange for money, gifts, or financial support, often targeting individuals in vulnerable situations.

  • In Canada, the legal consequences of online sexual exploitation are enforced at both federal and provincial levels:

    Federally - Federal law criminalizes acts such as child luring, distribution of child pornography, non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and using the internet to exploit or traffic individuals. Penalties can include significant fines, imprisonment, and being placed on the National Sex Offender Registry.

    • Specific provisions focus on safeguarding minors, with severe penalties for crimes involving children, reflecting Canada's commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals online.

    Provincially - Provinces may address exploitation through civil laws, including providing victims with legal avenues for restitution, such as compensation for emotional or psychological harm.

    • Many provinces implement measures to educate the public about online exploitation, along with programs aimed at offender rehabilitation.

    Both federal and provincial laws are designed to deter online sexual exploitation, provide justice for victims, and ensure accountability for offenders, while complementing Canada’s international commitments to combat such crimes.

    Legal consequences for behaviours vary significantly between countries and even within local jurisdictions. Always check your regional and federal laws to understand the specific regulations and penalties in your area.

How to recognize a victim of exploitation?

Recognizing the signs of online exploitation early is critical to protecting children and teens. Exploiters often use manipulation and secrecy, making it essential to stay vigilant in recognizing change:

    • Mood Swings: The person may display sudden irritability, anger, or sadness, especially after interacting online or using their devices.

    • Withdrawal: They might become distant from family and friends, avoiding social interactions and activities they previously enjoyed.

    • Increased Anxiety: Signs include restlessness, excessive worry, or discomfort when discussing their online activities or certain contacts.

    • Low Self-Esteem: They may express feelings of shame, guilt, or worthlessness, often tied to manipulative or exploitative situations online.

    • Avoidance of Devices: The person may become reluctant to use their phone or computer, displaying nervousness or defensiveness when online.

    • Sleep Disturbances: Experiencing nightmares, trouble falling asleep, or oversleeping due to stress from online exploitation.

    • Changes in Eating Habits: Emotional distress might lead to a sudden loss of appetite or overeating.

    • Secretive Activity: Increased secrecy about their online usage, frequently clearing browsing history or using incognito modes.

    • Contact with Strangers: Frequent communication with individuals unknown to their family or friends, often accompanied by reluctance to disclose details.

    • Unusual Content: Possession of inappropriate or explicit content or receiving gifts/money from unknown sources.

    • Declining Performance: Struggling to focus on assignments or experiencing a drop in grades due to the emotional toll of exploitation.

    • Absenteeism: Missing school or avoiding extracurricular activities without clear reasons.

    • Isolation: Preferring to work alone and avoiding group projects or collaborations.

    • Psychosomatic Symptoms: Headaches, stomach aches, or other unexplained physical complaints.

    • Visible Fatigue: Exhaustion from dealing with constant online stress or staying up late worrying.

    • Nervous Habits: Signs of stress like nail-biting, fidgeting, or sudden trembling.

These signs may not always indicate exploitation but are worth addressing with empathy and support. Encourage open communication and connect victims with resources for help.

What can you do?

If you suspect online exploitation or want to prevent it from happening, taking proactive steps can protect yourself or others. Here’s how parents, children, teens, and bystanders can play a role in addressing and preventing exploitation:

    • Foster Open Communication: Encourage your child to talk openly about their online experiences and any uncomfortable situations, including online sexual exploitation. Be a trusted source of support, ensuring they feel safe sharing without fear of punishment.

    • Set Online Boundaries: Establish clear rules about which websites, apps, and platforms are acceptable, and teach your child how to recognize potentially harmful content or interactions.

    • Monitor Without Overstepping: Respect your child’s privacy, but keep an eye on their online activity through parental controls and regular conversations. This will help identify signs of inappropriate contact or exploitation early.

    • Educate Yourself: Stay updated on trends, apps, and potential risks related to online sexual exploitation. Learn how to spot grooming behaviors and use privacy settings to protect your child.

    • Act When Necessary: If you suspect online sexual exploitation, immediately document any evidence (screenshots, messages), report the incident to the platform, Cybertip.ca and contact local law enforcement or child protection services if necessary.

    • Speak Up: If someone online makes you feel uncomfortable, talk to a trusted adult immediately. You are never alone, and there are people who can help you.

    • Don’t Engage: If approached by someone asking for inappropriate photos or personal information, do not respond. Block the individual and report them to the platform.

    • Protect Your Privacy: Never share personal details like your address, phone number, or school online. Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts, and review privacy settings to limit who can contact you.

    • Be a Friend: If you know someone who may be experiencing online sexual exploitation, encourage them to reach out for help. Offer your support in reporting the issue to the appropriate authorities or platforms.

    • Don’t Amplify the Problem: Never share, like, or forward explicit content or inappropriate messages that could contribute to online sexual exploitation.

    • Stand Up for What’s Right: If you witness someone being targeted or approached with inappropriate requests, offer support and guide them toward safe reporting methods.

    • Report Anonymously: Use reporting tools on platforms to flag harmful content related to online sexual exploitation. Most platforms offer anonymous reporting options to protect your identity​.

Where to get help?

Kids Help Phone: A 24/7 confidential support service for youth. Call 1-800-668-6868 or text CONNECT to 686868.

Cybertip.ca: Canada’s national tipline for reporting online exploitation.

Local Law Enforcement: If a crime has been committed, contact your local law enforcement directly.