Can Technology Used to Detect Child Porn Violate People’s Rights?

 Posted on July 21, 2025 in Criminal Law

The internet has allowed many people to create and share illegal material, including child pornography. While this is an issue that needs to be dealt with, there are some situations where people may be falsely accused of possessing or distributing child porn. In recent years, new technologies have been created to help law enforcement detect child pornography and bring charges against offenders, but advocates for civil liberties have highlighted the ways these technologies may be used to violate people’s rights.

For those who are facing accusations related to child pornography or other crimes against children, legal representation from an experienced attorney is essential. A lawyer who understands the issues involved in these cases, the technologies used by law enforcement, and the steps that can be taken to protect a defendant’s rights can work to address these charges and defend against a conviction.

Software Used to Search Devices May Be Overly Invasive

When law enforcement officials seize computers, phones, or other devices from people who are suspected of crimes, they may need to spend a great deal of time searching through these devices to uncover child pornography or other illegal material, as well as other evidence that could play a role in a case. To help officers perform searches more quickly without requiring them to be exposed to upsetting material, some companies offer software that is meant to quickly search through devices and identify child pornography.

While the ability to identify illegal material and take action against those who have harmed children may be the goal of these systems, they may not be fully reliable, and they could be misused. As with facial recognition technology and other forms of artificial intelligence (AI) that are used by law enforcement, software meant to identify child pornography may make mistakes. In some cases, parents who have taken photos of their children for medical purposes have faced criminal charges. Since computer systems may not be able to distinguish between legal and illegal material, innocent people can be caught up in these cases, and in addition to criminal penalties, their reputations may be destroyed.

Police may also use these tools for improper purposes and violate people’s rights. Before searching through devices, police are typically required to obtain search warrants or get permission from the owner. In some cases, they may perform searches without obtaining authorization. In others, they may widen the scope of a search beyond the specific accusations in a case, examining details about everything a person has ever done on their computer or the internet. Technological solutions are likely to be overused, violating people’s privacy rights.

In cases involving digital evidence, defendants may need to address complex issues related to the software used by law enforcement and their legal protections against unreasonable searches. A skilled attorney who understands these systems can provide guidance on the best defense strategies to use. By challenging unlawful searches and seizures or other violations of a defendant’s rights, a lawyer can help prevent a conviction and make sure a case can be resolved successfully.

Contact Our Hartford Criminal Defense Lawyers

At Woolf & Ross Law Firm, LLC, we can provide legal representation for those who have been accused of offenses related to child pornography or other internet crimes or crimes against children. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases, and we will work to ensure that our clients’ rights will be protected as we defend against convictions. Contact our Connecticut crimes against children defense attorneys at 860-290-8690 to arrange a free consultation and get legal help with your case.