This examination of the characteristics and behaviours of Australians who access either child sexual abuse material (CSAM) or radical content online finds that individuals who access both are a distinct group, demographically and behaviourally. The findings highlight the need for content moderation policies that consider the overlap between different types of harmful content and target both mainstream and alternative platforms. 

The study was based on a survey of 13,302 online Australians. The survey investigated respondents’ political and social beliefs and included questions about whether they had viewed fringe or radical content or CSAM online, in the 12 months prior. 

The report recommends prevention strategies that target both types of harmful content as well as the platforms that host it. 

Findings

• 4.5% of respondents had viewed CSAM in the past year. 
• Among respondents who viewed CSAM, 64.7% had also viewed fringe or radical content. 
• Conversely, 7.1% of those who viewed radical content had also viewed CSAM.
• Respondents who viewed only CSAM or only fringe or radical content were relatively similar to one another.
• Respondents who viewed both types of content were more likely to:
  • be younger and male
  • have had contact with the criminal justice system as juveniles and adults
  • have been diagnosed with certain mental illnesses, particularly psychotic disorders
  • spend more time online for both personal and work reasons, and
  • frequently use platforms such as TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, and encrypted communications platforms like Discord and Telegram.