Researchers have determined that the rise in the use of technology over the years could also lead to increased exploitation and sex crimes that target minors. They note that this increase is in part due to the fact that more than just computers are involved. Children can also use webcams, cellphones, tablets, text messaging apps and more electronic devices. This has given them a level of access to the World Wide Web that they never had in the past.
Some behaviours that these researchers noted that could lead to sex crimes included the following:
-- Posting pictures on the Internet, which can be done on social media sites.-- Transferring pictures via email.-- Giving out or sharing information of a personal nature.-- Talking to people that they have never met in person.-- Communicating with strangers in chat rooms.-- Going to websites that are designed for adult content.
For instance, one study looked at about 5,200 students who were between their 4th and 11th years in school. It spanned all of Canada, including students from each territory and province. About 30 per cent of the students said that, when making social media pages and getting free email accounts, they used their real addresses and names. This shows just how quickly information that once used to be private can be spread online.
Alleged crimes that originate online can be tricky to research, as many pieces of information can be deleted, reconstructed or faked. When facing charges due to online activity, it's very important for those who have been accused of crimes to get a fair trial and to know what rights they have, especially when they feel evidence is being presented unfairly or that there is a problem with the veracity of that evidence.
Source: Statcan, "Growing access to technology may increase the risk of online sexual exploitation of children and youth," Jennifer Loughlin and Andrea Taylor-Butts, accessed Aug. 09, 2016
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