“I would say almost every single case has some sort of an internet connection”: Law enforcement and service provider insights on technology’s role in the commercial sexual exploitation of children and youth in the United States

The commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC) is a growing and increasingly recognized form of abuse. With much of children's social activity shifting to the internet, technology is becoming a critical factor in the dynamics of CSEC crimes. This study explores the understanding of technology use in relation to CSEC crimes from the perspectives of law enforcement and service providers. Semi-structured key informant interviews were conducted with 18 law enforcement officers and 62 service providers with expertise in CSEC across eleven U.S. communities in six states. Interviews took place between 2021 and 2023, with data analysis continuing into 2024. The findings focus on technology's role in: (1) expanding opportunities for grooming, (2) changing the nature of CSEC perpetration, and (3) both promoting and hindering prosecution efforts. Results suggest that technology redefines CSEC crimes within a rapidly evolving digital landscape, highlighting both the dangers it poses to victims and the complexities it introduces to prosecution. However, the same technological features that facilitate online grooming and perpetration could also be used to enhance support and care for CSEC victims. Consequently, future research should explore technology not only as a threat to victim protection but also as a potential tool for intervention and support.