Live-streamed child sexual abuse: Analysis of Norwegian criminal cases

Livestreaming of child sexual abuse involves real-time sexual abuse and exploitation of children, presenting an ongoing global threat.

This descriptive study explores characteristics and patterns of live-streamed child sexual abuse to better understand this phenomenon.

Content analysis of 31 closed Norwegian criminal cases was conducted to identify descriptive themes and offender characteristics.

Findings show a heterogeneous offender group maintaining established platform use, payment methods, and geographic locations over time, indicating minimal operational evolution. Significant overlap exists between livestreaming and other child sexual exploitation material (CSEM) consumption, with most offenders actively seeking and possessing CSEM. Over half produced additional CSEM by capturing screenshots or recordings of live streams. Additionally, over half expressed intentions for international travel to commit contact sexual abuse, suggesting livestreaming may serve as a pathway toward contact offending. Most offenders demonstrated limited technological sophistication in concealing activities.

Live-streamed child sexual abuse represents complex exploitation with connections to broader CSEM offending patterns. This descriptive study contributes to the emerging body of knowledge, highlighting critical gaps in understanding offender pathways, facilitator networks, and victim identification processes. Findings suggest priorities for enhanced technological solutions for victim identification, improved financial transaction monitoring, and strengthened international cooperation.