3 Million Searches for CSAM Blocked by Warning Messages in Dark Web Study

• •Over 3 million CSAM searches were blocked using warning messages in a dark web study.
• •Redesigning warning messages increased engagement with help resources from 9% to 16%.
• •The study indicates that warning messages can redirect individuals towards support and change behavior.

A large-scale study by Protect Children revealed that warning messages can significantly disrupt searches for child sexual abuse material (CSAM) on the dark web. Over a 140-day period in 2025, the study blocked more than 3 million CSAM-related searches on the Ahmia.fi dark web engine, representing approximately 16% of total searches. Each blocked search triggered a warning message linking users to anonymous support resources, resulting in over 380,000 clicks to help resources. The study found that redesigning warning messages increased engagement from 9% to 16%. A survey of over 6,000 individuals searching for CSAM indicated that 17% clicked for help or information after seeing a warning, and three in four reflected on or changed their behavior. The findings suggest that warning messages can effectively prevent online child sexual abuse by redirecting potential offenders towards support.