In this paper, the operations of SafeLine are introduced, along with an analysis of received reports, in order to reveal hidden trends over the seventeen years of activities. Furthermore, a comparison between the reports of SafeLine and those of the other 48 member hotlines of INHOPE, operating in 43 different countries spanning six continents worldwide, is presented.

Another main contribution of our research is a correlation analysis between SafeLine's reports and dark web data. Specifically, SafeLine's reports are compared against the ALTAS dataset of the Voyager system of Web-IQ, drilled from the dark web, revealing a correlation of more than 50 per cent between the reports received by SafeLine and the domains of illegal sites discussed in the dark web.

Last but not least, the report contains an analysis of the legislative framework regarding child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in all countries covered by the INHOPE network, revealing similarities as well as differences in what is considered illegal, the ways CSAM is tackled, and the penalty limits prescribed in various countries.

For more details, read the research paper "Investigating the dynamics of illegal online activity: the power of reporting, dark web, and related legislation" (in English).

This article was initially published on the INHOPE website and is reproduced here with permission.

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