O ENFRENTAMENTO DOS CRIMES SEXUAIS COMETIDOS CONTRA CRIANÇAS E ADOLESCENTES NO MEIO CIBERNÉTICO SOB A ÓTICA DO DIREITO BRASILEIRO

Abstract

The advancement of digitalization has intensified connectivity but has also created an environment conducive to the perpetration of sexual offenses against children and adolescents, challenging existing legislative norms to update and seek effective suppression of these crimes. In this context, this article aims to address strategies for combating sexual cybercrimes committed against vulnerable individuals under 18 years of age, exploring the anonymity and reach of the Internet for grooming, dissemination of abusive material, and organization of exploitation networks. To this end, it seeks to outline legislative gaps and challenges in investigating these offenses, proposing solutions to ensure the protection of vulnerable individuals through an analysis of the Digital ECA, enacted in 2025. The research, employing a quali-quantitative and correlational method, uses documentary analysis and literature review, presenting practical results on the topic. Despite the classifications of child sexual crimes in the Penal Code and the Child and Adolescent Statute, and the emergence of the Digital ECA, addressing these offenses requires indispensable measures to tackle their global nature. These include the continuous updating of laws, specialized training for police officers, experts, and investigators, and supervision by parents and guardians, which will ensure the guarantee of human dignity and the basic rights of children and adolescents.