AUSTIN (KXAN) – There is a growing problem targeting women and children online. It’s called ‘sextortion.’
Online predators are using personal information, often photos obtained under false pretenses, to extort victims into handing over explicit videos or photos.
In a first-of-its-kind report, The Brookings Institution calls it a new form of sexual assault. The report is aimed at raising awareness, and proposing a federal law to make sure the extorters face criminal charges for their actions.
71 percent of the victims are under the age of 18. The majority of adult victims are females, while male and female minors are targeted. From students to fathers, the study noted that all of the prosecuted extorters are males.
A staggering majoring of young victims are targeted online with 91 percent of the cases involving “social media manipulation.” For adults, 43 percent become victims of sextortion through computer hacking.
The reports asks Congress to implement laws that place criminal charges on sextorters with a “reasonable” sentencing.WHAT OTHERS ARE CLICKING ON RIGHT NOW:
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