AI Algorithms Linked to Surge in Online Crimes Against Minors in São Paulo
São Paulo police reported a 78% increase in online crimes against minors during school holidays, with algorithmic recommendation systems allegedly enabling gradual exposure to extremist content and violent material. Investigations by the Noad (Digital Observation and Analysis Center) found that platforms' algorithms may progressively feed users increasingly harmful content, with misogyny identified as a key indicator of radicalization toward online crime.
What happened
Data from the Noad (Digital Observation and Analysis Center) of the São Paulo Civil Police revealed that the number of minors victimized by online crimes increased from 89 to 158 during school holidays, representing a 78% increase.
Investigations by the Noad found that algorithmic recommendation systems on digital platforms may conduct users through a progression of increasingly violent and extremist content, beginning with apparently innocuous materials and escalating to include hate speech and apologies for violence.
Reported impact
Cases of zoosadism—involving animal torture and abuse—jumped from five to 15 occurrences, a 200% increase.
Delegada Lisandréa Salvariego, coordinator of the Noad, stated that misogyny has been identified as a primary alert indicator and serves as an entry point to digital communities promoting antisocial behaviors among young people.
Index analysis
The Noad's investigations indicate that the desensitization to harmful content occurs progressively, with platform algorithms designed to maintain user engagement potentially conducting adolescents into a funnel of extremist content.
Prolonged contact with virtual environments without parental supervision may facilitate exposure to harmful content, hate speech, and communities that encourage criminal practices.
Governance controls
Delegada Salvariego emphasized that monitoring is a primary tool for preventing digital crimes, and that parental control tools—both free and platform-provided—should be used to oversee what children consume online.
The police authority advised parents to watch for signs of social isolation combined with excessive screen time and sudden behavioral changes as indicators of risk.
Classification
Sources and evidence
This record was researched and written by the Index, based on the following original reporting.