| Issue/Objective |
Sextortion, a form of human trafficking (HT) that results in sexual exploitation, has evolved into a pressing global issue. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, both the Global North (GN) and Global South (GS) developed legislative measures to combat HT across borders. However, the pandemic's widespread impact accelerated a shift towards virtual exploitation, exposing a critical gap in existing trafficking legislation. Weak legal safeguards allow for traffickers to exploit digital spaces and target vulnerable populations.
According to a 2022 Statistics Canada report, online sextortion cases surged by 815% between 2018 and 2022, disproportionately affecting youth, Indigenous communities, and newcomers. |
| Methodology/Approach |
This study critically examines existing literature to assess how pandemic-driven technological reliance and weak virtual trafficking legislation have heightened risks for vulnerable populations in Canada. Applying feminist research theory, the study critiques Canada's traditional security approaches by analyzing power and control dynamics in online sextortion. Through a systematic review of studies linking pandemic lockdowns to increased digital dependence, this research argues that the shift to virtual platforms has significantly expanded opportunities for online sexual exploitation. |
| Results |
Key findings reveal three primary causes of the surge in sextortion cases across Canada:
1. Individuals at risk for online sextortion are not adequately aware of the signs of online luring strategies by perpetuators.
2. Legal gaps persist-Canada's Criminal Code does not explicitly define online sextortion as a criminal offense.
3. Encrypted communication apps hinder law enforcement, limiting both tech company policing strategies and Canadian legal interventions.
The findings emphasize that sextortion is more than a legal issue-it is a mental health crisis burdening healthcare professionals across Canada. The lack of legal and institutional support hampers effective intervention to patients experiencing psychological trauma, self-harm, and suicidal ideation. |
| Discussion/Conclusion |
Beyond being a criminal offense, sextortion has escalated into a global health emergency, with profound short and long-term psychosocial consequences. Advocating for Canadian legislative reform, stricter tech industry regulations, enhanced digital literacy tools, trauma-informed victim support, and stronger global collaboration in health policy will make a difference. By implementing these measures, Canada can take a critical step toward preventing online sexual exploitation and ensuring digital safety for all. |
| Presenters and affiliations |
Amy Saya McMaster University |
