VIRTUAL SEXUAL CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS: CHALLENGES FOR LEGISLATION AND LAW ENFORCEMENT

Abstract

Society's growing dependence on the internet and digital technologies has driven important advances, but it has also led to an increase in cybercrimes, especially those related to the sexual exploitation of children and adolescents. The objectives of this study are to see how Brazilian laws have changed over time to combat virtual pedophilia, focusing on the problems that arise when trying to investigate and punish these actions. Brazilian laws have changed over time to combat virtual pedophilia, focusing on the problems that arise when trying to investigate and punish these actions. The research is justified because the topic is important socially and legally, given the increase in cases of recruitment, production and sharing of sexual content involving minors on digital platforms. The method used was a qualitative analysis of relevant data from national laws, such as the Statute of Children and Adolescents, Law No. 12,737/12, Law No. 12,965/14, Law No. 13,718/18 and the new Law No. 14,811/24, which expanded the criminal classification of digital conduct against minors. Evidence indicates that, even with progress in standards, there are still considerable barriers to identifying and punishing offenders, including the use of encryption, the use of fictitious identities and the use of digital currencies. In addition, there are technical and legal challenges that affect cooperation at the international level. Therefore, it is important to emphasize that, in addition to laws, it is essential to develop public policies that prioritize prevention, the training of professionals specialized in digital investigations and the provision of humanized support for victims.