Sexual + Extortion = Sextortion
Virtual relationships via social media can sometimes intensify by exchanging private clips and photos. Sadly, once private information has been shared, the other party sometimes reveals his/her true colours by blackmailing the victim, or threatening to publicise their intimate, private images. A new friend who turns out to be an offender, may then threaten or force victims to record their own sexually abusive media. This is not a new movie plot, rather it is a real story that many from the young generation face.
This was just one example of child sexual exploitation and abuse which is called sexual extortion of children or Sextortion. According to the Global Partnership and Fund to End Violence Against Children (EVAC), the risk of online exploitation cases has risen due to an increase in children's screen use during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What is the definition of sextortion and tactics?
“Sextortion refers to the use of blackmail or threats to extract sexual content or other benefits (e.g., money) from the child, often using sexual content of the child that has previously been obtained as leverage.” - Disrupting Harm Thailand.
Sextortion is one of the tactics used by offenders to force a child to send or produce images and videos that they have created. The Disrupting Harm Thailand report cites examples of common tactics used by offenders such as setting up fake profiles, and pretending to be the victim's age. According to this study in Thailand, the main target of the offender for online exploitation and abuse cases will be teenagers aged between 12 to 17. The offender then grooms the victim: offering money, job opportunities, romantic relationships, etc. They also use multiple fake accounts to manipulate the victim by putting pressure from these other accounts. Once the child has sent their images or videos, the offender will extort the victim in exchange for keeping those images/clips private. This can lead to further requests for money, online sexual abuse, or physical sexual abuse.
The infographic was created by using data references from the Disrupting Harm Thailand report.
Who should I ask for assistance if I become a sexortion victim?
We hope that no one has to face sextortion. But, if this happens, who should you contact for assistance? There are many hotlines run by the government and nonprofit organizations where you can report cases of online exploitation and abuse, such as 1599 TICAC Hotline, run by Thailand Internet Crimes Against Children or Thai hotline, run by Internet Foundation for the Development of Thailand) in Thailand, or INHOPE, an international network to combat online child sexual abuse material.
However, the same Disrupting Harm study in Thailand found that children who experienced sextortion preferred to report or seek assistance through unofficial channels such as friends (51%), siblings (49%), and parents or guardians (42%), rather than official ones such as hotlines. However, some children choose not to tell anyone, thinking no one would believe them or not knowing who to turn to for help.
Recently, the US Federal Bureau of Investigations published a report on a sextortion case involving an American teen boy who committed suicide because he could not produce the money he was extorted for. The Thaigers news reported another familiar case of Thai teen boy who committed suicide at to end sextortion with the purpose of extorting from the offender. During a crisis, teen victims may be confused and find it difficult to find a suitable solution. The parent's involvement is important, especially if the victim is underage because the process of reporting to police requires the parent to support the legal process to arrest and prosecute the offender. The family is also a better place to raise awareness of online exploitation. If you are a parent, please start a conversation with your children about the risks of using technology, including games and social media. Healthy family relationships can still be a way out for a child who is the victim of sextortion.
Sextortion and Thai law
Currently, Thailand has not established specific regulations to address sextortion, or other forms of online sexual exploitation and abuse. As a result, law enforcement faces the challenge of charging offenders under the current law, such as child protection law or computer-related crimes.
Two years ago, LIFT's legal experts and social workers focused their efforts on assisting a teenager who had been sexually abused. Before blackmailing, the offender used a fake girl's profile to persuade the boy victim to start an online relationship and exchange private clips. Evidence showed that the offender exported clips to various devices, indicating a human trafficking intension.
“ I had thought to end this problem by suicide because I was at a dead-end. Another order to control me was so horrible for me at the time. If I didn't, he threatened to publish my personal clips and pictures. I had lost my self-worth and dignity.” - LIFT’s Survivor
The difference between this teenager and the previous cases is that it did not escalate because he requested help from the LIFT International team. LIFT’s social workers assisted this boy and collaborated with his family to uphold his life in crisis.
Through the nearly two and a half years of prosecution, our legal team has done its best to present the legal aspects as well as the evidence to hold the offender accountable for his crime. Although online sextortion cases are still relatively new to the Thai legal system, the Supreme Court's trial resulted in the offender being sentenced to two years and eleven months in prison without the possibility of parole, and 4,500 NZD (100,000 baht) of compensation to the survivor.
This boy's life has regained its worth and dignity. He and his family are fully focused on the next chapter of their lives, returning to the path that they would have chosen to take. We wish him success in the university entrance examination. He has a bright future ahead of him.