Sexual predators have found an easy way into the lives of children and teens — meeting them online through multiplayer video games and chat sites.
This is part of our investigative series on online child sexual abuse. It contains graphic descriptions. nyti.ms/2DWx8TW
This is part of our investigative series on online child sexual abuse. It contains graphic descriptions. nyti.ms/2DWx8TW
Companies have created spaces where minors and adult strangers can interact. Games like Minecraft and Fortnite are a popular target, but predators are also finding young victims on Kik Messenger and Instagram. nyti.ms/2DWx8TW 
Some perpetrators are grooming hundreds, even thousands, of victims, according to a review of prosecutions, court records, law enforcement reports and academic studies.
Predators often pose as children to initiate chats and build trust with their victims nyti.ms/2DWx8TW
Predators often pose as children to initiate chats and build trust with their victims nyti.ms/2DWx8TW
“The first threat is, ‘If you don’t do it, I’m going to post on social media,’” said Matt Wright, a special agent with the Department of Homeland Security. “‘And by the way, I’ve got a list of your family members and I’m going to send it all to them.’” nyti.ms/2DWx8TW
6 years ago, about 50 reports of the crimes, known as “sextortion,” were referred to the U.S. clearinghouse that tracks online child sexual abuse. Last year, the center received over 1,500. Authorities believe most sextortion is never reported. nyti.ms/2DWx8TW
There are tools to detect previously identified abuse content, but scanning for new images — like those extorted in real time from young gamers — is more difficult nyti.ms/2DWx8TW
Some of the biggest gaming companies provided few, if any, details about their practices. nyti.ms/2DWx8TW
To report online child sexual abuse or find resources for those in need of help, contact @MissingKids at 1-800-843-5678. report.cybertip.org
@MissingKids We reported earlier this year on the tech industry’s tepid efforts to combat an explosion of child sexual abuse imagery on the internet. The crisis is at a breaking point. nyti.ms/2OYY8bo
@MissingKids These 2 sisters are among the first generation of child sexual abuse victims whose anguish has been preserved on the internet, seemingly forever. "It’s like another form of abuse." nyti.ms/342wHSm
@MissingKids Here is expert advice on how to protect your children from online sexual predators nyti.ms/2LATSwW
