Child Porn Ring Used Internet Chat, Peer-to-Peer

WASHINGTON – A day after news broke of U.S. and Canadian law enforcement taking down a child pornography ring that spanned the globe, details have surfaced that the suspects allegedly used peer-to-peer file-sharing programs, chatrooms and private instant messaging services to communicate and share images and live video feeds of child molestation.

Calling it “the worst imaginable forms of child pornography,” U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales appeared on national television decrying the sheer depravity of the 27 people arrested and promising that the Justice Department has made it one of its highest priorities to make the “Internet a safe place for all Americans.”

Gonzales was joined at the press conference by Julie Myers, assistant secretary for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Tony Warr, acting chief of the Toronto Police Services; and U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald.

According to Gonzales, the majority of individuals arrested were tied to a chatroom called “Kiddypics & Kiddyvids” that provided images and streaming video of children, in some cases infants, being sexually molested by adults, while other members of the group looked on.

Authorities say the chatroom was monitored by “hosts” who established rules designed to hide their illegal activities from law enforcement.

The charges brought by the U.S. against the 27 suspects occurred in nine different U.S. districts as well as Britain, Australia and Canada, and include possession, receipt, distribution and manufacture of child pornography, among other offenses.

Only one of the suspects remains at large, while all 26 others have been arrested in their respective countries.

Investigators have so far identified seven children victimized by the ring, the youngest of which was less than 18 months old at the time the molestation occurred, Justice said.

“This investigation is an example of how American law enforcement can and will work side-by-side with our international law enforcement partners to shut down these rings and protect young, vulnerable victims from the horrors of sexual abuse,” Gonzales said.

ASACP mirrored that sentiment.

“ASACP is gratified that the DOJ continues to aggressively fight child pornography,” Joan Irvine said. “Sadly, this particular case confirms a frightening trend that we have detected in recent reports coming through ASACP’s online reporting hotline: the children involved seem to be even younger, and the abuse even more horrific. The use of P2P also exemplifies how these criminals take advantage of the latest technology.”

Justice recently launched a new child porn fighting initiative called Project Safe Childhood, which calls on the coordination between law enforcement and the largest credit card companies, banks and Internet service providers to help trace online transactions involving the exchange of child porn images.

Gonzales has said that the coalition aims to end commercial child pornography by 2008.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

UPDATED: Supreme Court Rules Against Adult Industry in Pivotal Texas AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday issued its decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, striking a blow against the online adult industry by ruling in support of Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

North Carolina Passes Extreme Bill Targeting Adult Sites

The North Carolina state legislature this week ratified a bill that would impose new regulations that industry observers have warned could push adult websites and platforms to ban most adult creators and content.

Supreme Court Ruling Due Friday in FSC v. Paxton AV Case

The U.S. Supreme Court will rule on Friday in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, the adult industry trade association's challenge to Texas’ controversial age verification law, HB 1181.

Ofcom: More Porn Providers Commit to Age Assurance Measures

A number of adult content providers operating in the U.K. have confirmed that they plan to introduce age checks in compliance with the Online Safety Act by the July 25 deadline, according to U.K. media regulator Ofcom.

Aylo Says It Will Comply With UK Age Assurance Requirements

Tech and media company Aylo, which owns various adult properties including Pornhub, YouPorn and Redtube, plans to introduce age assurance methods in the United Kingdom that satisfy government rules under the Online Safety Act, the company has announced.

Kyrgyzstan Parliament Approves Measure Outlawing Internet Porn

The Supreme Council of Kyrgyzstan on Wednesday passed legislation outlawing online adult content in the country.

Trial Set for Lawsuit by U Wisconsin Professor Fired Over Adult Content

A trial date of June 22, 2026, has been set for the civil lawsuit filed by veteran communications professor Joe Gow against the University of Wisconsin board of regents, which fired him for creating and appearing in adult content.

New UK Task Force Meets to Target Adult Content

The architect of an influential report that recommended banning adult content deemed “degrading, violent and misogynistic” has convened an “Independent Pornography Review task force” aimed at translating that report’s findings into action in the U.K.

11:11 Creations Launches Affiliate Program

11:11 Creations principal Alicia Silver has launched 11:11 Cash for creators and affiliates.

Pineapple Support, Pornhub to Host 'Self Love' Support Group

Pineapple Support and Pornhub are hosting a free online support group for performers to develop self-love.

Show More