The Limitations of the Legal Framework on Digital Sex Crimes and Exploring Pathways for Improvement

This study aims to analyze the unique characteristics of digital sex crimes,which have been exacerbated by the rapid development of digital technologies andthe expansion of online platforms, as well as to examine the limitations of thecurrent legal framework and propose improvements. Digital sex crimes aredistinguished from traditional sexual offenses by features such as anonymity,transnationality, ease of reproduction and dissemination, and permanence. Consequently, existing legal measures have proven insufficient in effectively protecting victims and deterring such crimes. To enhance the legal response todigital sex crimes, the study proposes the following: enactment of a special lawdedicated to digital sex crimes, strengthening the accountability of platformoperators, substantial improvement of victim protection and support systems,reinforcement of investigative and evidentiary capabilities to address advancedtechnological environments, and institutionalization of international cooperationmechanisms. These measures aim to establish an integrated legal system thatharmonizes offender punishment, victim protection, and crime prevention, therebymaximizing the positive effects of technological progress while minimizing itsnegative consequences.