The definition of exploitation is “the act of using someone or something unfairly for one's own advantage or gratification”
In this situation - a child, minor, or anyone with an online presence can be exploited through a variety of vectors including :
GroomingExtortionCSAMAI-Generated Child Abuse Material (AI-CSAM)Online Luring and Exploitation via Social EngineeringCriminal Networks / TraffickingStatsIt is very important to note that although EXPLOITATION can be CONDUCTED through online mediums, this is not always the case. It is also true that EXPLOITATION committed in person can be DETECTED, ATTRIBUTED, and ultimately PROSECUTED through online activity [case below]
TW :
“During an interview with law enforcement, Bleyle compared the number of victims [children] he r—-d to the number of snowflakes in a snowfall. Bleyle was caught by investigators not due to reports by hospital staff or victims, or to a CyberTip; he was caught by an investigation of his use of a P2P file-sharing program” [Child Exploitation on P2P File-Sharing Apps - Increasing the Efficacy of Investigations of Online Child Sexual Exploitation pg 51]