Deterring Searches for Child Sexual Abuse Material on Google Search and Promoting Help-Seeking

2026-06-04

AI Summary

This study addresses the persistent retrieval of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) by users on search engines by introducing a novel intervention in Google’s top-of-page “Onebox” results. The intervention replaces the prior prompt—which solely encouraged reporting—with a message combining legal deterrence messaging and access to therapeutic resources. Leveraging Google’s internal search logs, the authors employ a difference-in-differences design to causally evaluate the intervention’s impact. Results indicate a 3.8 percentage-point reduction in subsequent CSAM-related queries within the same session and a 0.73% click-through rate to support resources. This work represents the first large-scale implementation in a search engine context that actively deters potential offenders while simultaneously guiding them toward treatment, offering both theoretical innovation and practical significance for online harm mitigation.

Abstract

Google Search deploys a "Onebox" feature at the top of the results page when users conduct searches for Child Sexual Abuse Material. This study evaluates the impact of a strategic shift in this feature, comparing a revised intervention, focused on repercussions and therapeutic resources, to a previous iteration that focused on reporting. Using a difference-in-differences analysis of internal Google Search logs data, we found the new messaging resulted in a 3.8 percentage point reduction as compared to the status quo in subsequent CSAM-related queries within the same Search session. We found an average click through rate of 0.73% on any of the hyperlinked buttons to help-providing resources. Together, this research presents convergent evidence that a subset of individuals can be deterred from ongoing CSAM-seeking and redirected to therapeutic services.

Problem

• Child Sexual Abuse Material
• deterrence
• help-seeking
• search engine intervention
• online safety

Innovation

• child sexual abuse material
• search intervention
• help-seeking behavior
• difference-in-differences
• online deterrence