In a big win, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has successfully blocked 10 child abuse websites responsible for distributing nearly one million child abuse images and videos.
The blocked domains were affiliated with the Cocos Keeling Islands who were were identified as significant contributors to global child exploitation material.
The AFP was alerted by the Shire of Cocos Keeling Islands about these illicit websites, which used the top-level domain (TLD) '.cc'.
This clampdown is the result of a year-long investigation that began in 2022.
Subsequently, AFP kicked off operations last month when tens of thousands of attempted visits from multiple countries were logged.
The identities of international users will be relayed to relevant law enforcement agencies to aid criminal investigations.
The AFP has proactively identified and blocked 10 child abuse websites hosted on domains associated with the Cocos Keeling Islands that were responsible for the distribution of almost one million child abuse images and videos.https://t.co/ReHOgvamzz— AFP (@AusFedPolice) October 31, 2023
Notorious TLD
The Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) has listed this particular TLD (.cc) as one of the top 10 worldwide for hosting child abuse content.
Acting commander Cybercrime Tim Stainton said: "These videos and images show real children being exploited, physically harmed and traumatised for the perverse gratification of offenders.
"Each time these files are shared it perpetuates the harm caused to these children."
Collaborating agencies included the AFP-led Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), the office of the eSafety Commissioner, and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts.
"Challenge is of epic global proportions"
The operation remains ongoing to identify administrators, contributors and users.
Visitors attempting to access these sites will now encounter a 'takedown notice' issued by the AFP.
eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant urged Australians to report any such content, stating, "This challenge is of epic, global proportions, and I urge all Australians to help eradicate this content by reporting it to eSafety.gov.au."
Cocos (Keeling) Islands Shire President Aindil Minkom lauded the multi-agency cooperation, saying, "The result of many months' collaboration and working with the AFP and other agencies has proven to be a huge success and we thank all those involved."