Conference presentation type - New tools, solutions, learnings, or methods proposed to be used in innovative investigations and studies of child sexual offenders.

Objective
The objective of this presentation is to investigate and discuss how integrating AI interventions with restorative justice (RJ) principles can reduce recidivism among individuals at risk of accessing child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Additionally, the importance of prioritising the ethical management of pornographic content to disrupt pathways to CSAM will be discussed, and how to dismantle harmful narratives in porn that fetishize youth and encourage people to seek out CSAM. These strategies used cohesively have the potential to reduce recidivism.

Methods
The focus case study is the ReThink Chatbot project, which was developed by the Lucy Faithfull Foundation in collaboration with Aylo (Pornhub’s parent company) and the Internet Watch Foundation. The chatbot is triggered when banned words/ phrases are searched on Pornhub, interrupting the users search with legal warnings or referrals to support services such as Stop It Now. The initiative was first trialled in the UK and has recently expanded to Australia.

Results
Data from the case study indicates that the chatbot not only reduces repeat offending behaviour but also encouraged hundreds of people trying to access CSAM to anonymously seek therapeutic support. This study also revealed that many CSAM users have a desire to stop offending, and fear escalation in their behaviour online and offline, but feel there is a lack of access to non-judgmental, ethical support services.

Conclusions
This case study illustrates the importance of early intervention strategies over purely punitive measures. Prevention-based, therapeutic approaches rooted in restorative justice and cenrtred around ethical porn consumption can reduce both initial offending and recidivism. AI tools like the ReThink Chatbot show measurable promise in this space.

Key Learning Objectives
• Understand the role of technology in preventing recidivism.
• Recognize the need for accessible, ethical intervention tools that support individuals before escalation occurs.
• Advocate for the wider implementation of therapeutic prevention programs in criminal justice and public health strategies based in RJ principals.

Advocate for ethical porn production and consumption, and more policing around what kind of pornography is being uploaded and consumed.