The internet makes it easy to share files and content — including illegal material. On the dark web and in other shadowy online forums, individuals with a sexual interest in children exchange abuse material with each other. However, because the anonymisation technologies they use often limit transfer speeds, the actual uploading and downloading of files frequently takes place on the clear web – through so-called One Click Hosting services.
These are websites that allow users to upload and share files quickly and easily via links, without registration or complex setup. Many companies around the world offer such services. They usually have terms of service prohibiting the distribution of child abuse material, and some are located in countries where providers are legally required to report such material to the authorities. In practice, however, there is little or no monitoring or enforcement.
The Norwegian Police work systematically to identify child sexual abuse material shared through such links and to notify the service providers about the content. The goal is to encourage providers to take greater responsibility for removing illegal files. It is important to make it harder to access such material and to stop the ongoing exploitation of children that occurs when these files are shared.
