THE DARK SIDE OF THE INTERNET: DIGITAL PEDOPHILIA AND THE INVISIBLE RISKS FOR CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS

Abstract

This scientific article addresses the implications inherent to cybercrime, with emphasis on the practice of pedophilia in digital environments, also called cyberpedophilia. Therefore, the objective is to analyze the dangers of digital pedophilia and the invisible risks that the Internet represents for children and adolescents, identifying strategies to prevent and combat this criminal offense. To this end, the historical trajectory in the Brazilian legal system will be studied, as well as the legal provisions in force in the contemporary context that typify this practice as a crime, especially Law No. 8,069/90 (Child and Adolescent Statute). The problem found is related to the risks and vulnerabilities to which children and adolescents are exposed in the digital environment, especially in social networks and messaging applications. Regarding the methodology, a qualitative methodological approach was used, based on documentary bibliographic research, aiming at the analysis of previously organized data and the relevant theoretical framework with a view to understanding the theme of digital pedophilia. The preliminary results indicate that the fragility in the supervision of the use of the internet by children and adolescents, combined with the lack of public policies with an educational and preventive focus, contributes significantly to the exposure of these minors to the practice of cyber pedophilia. On the other hand, it is observed that, although the current legal provisions - especially the Statute of Children and Adolescents - represent advances in the typification of cyberpedophilia, they still face obstacles in their effective application, given the complexity of interactions in the digital environment.