Paedophiles found to be targeting women on dating apps in order to access their children
Researchers have issued a warning that paedophiles may be using dating apps to potentially gain access to children through their parents. A recent study carried out by the University of Edinburgh revealed that men who have committed sexual offences against children are actively using dating apps on a daily basis. This alarming discovery has prompted calls for stricter regulations on dating apps, which are reportedly being used by 381 million people globally, according to Statista.
The research conducted by the Childlight Global Child Safety Institute, based at the University of Edinburgh, found that men who engage in sexual abuse against children are nearly four times more likely to utilise dating sites compared to non-offenders. Shockingly, the study revealed that 66% of men who have sexually offended against children use dating platforms, with over 22% accessing them daily. The report, named Swipe Wrong, is part of a wider investigation into the multi-billion-dollar industry of child sexual exploitation and abuse, which benefits perpetrators, organised crime, and mainstream companies.
It is highlighted that incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse of children have reached pandemic levels, affecting more than 300 million children annually. The research, which surveyed approximately 5,000 men in the UK, US and Australia, indicated that single mothers are particularly vulnerable. Disturbingly, 11.5% of the men surveyed admitted to having sexual feelings towards children, and 11% confessed to committing sexual offences against minors. Another survey conducted by the Australian Institute of Criminology revealed that 12% of dating app users received requests to facilitate child sexual exploitation and abuse, often involving their own children.
One concerning aspect brought to light by the report is that most dating platforms do not require new users to verify their identity, providing opportunities for offenders to operate anonymously. The study also shed light on the online behaviours of offenders, revealing that they may exhibit traits of trustworthiness by having a child in their home, working with children, and possessing a higher level of education. Additionally, the report highlighted that men who have committed sexual offences against children tend to engage more frequently in various online activities such as online shopping, dating, and gaming. They are also more likely to use cryptocurrency and purchase sexual content online.
Professor Michael Salter, co-author of the report and director of the Childlight East Asia and Pacific Hub at the University of New South Wales, emphasised the urgent need for dating apps to implement robust child protection measures. He pointed out that the same level of user identification methods used in industries like banking and gambling should be adopted by dating platforms. Moreover, he stressed the importance of utilising AI tools to identify and flag concerning conversations and behaviours.
Professor Deborah Fry, Childlight’s global director of data and professor of international child protection research at the University of Edinburgh, underscored the severity of child sexual exploitation and abuse as a global public health crisis that demands immediate action. She stressed the importance of implementing prevention strategies that address the underlying factors contributing to abuse, including financial and technological systems that enable such exploitation to persist.
The findings of this study serve as a stark reminder of the need for increased vigilance and regulation within the online dating sphere to safeguard vulnerable individuals, especially children, from potential harm. It is imperative for dating app platforms to prioritise the safety and protection of users, particularly those who may be targeted by individuals seeking to exploit and harm them.
Overall, the research underscores the critical importance of addressing the loopholes and vulnerabilities present in online platforms to prevent the perpetuation of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Collaborative efforts involving policymakers, tech companies, law enforcement, and advocacy groups are essential in combatting this pervasive issue and safeguarding the well-being of children and families worldwide.