Terminological Developments in the Criminalization of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) in International and European Union Law

Abstract

This paper examines the evolving terminology used in international and European Union law concerning the criminalization of child sexual abuse material (CSAM). The analysis focuses on both binding legal instruments and soft law documents, tracing conceptual and definitional developments that have occurred over the past two decades. The study addresses two core research questions: (1) how do international and European legal frameworks define and conceptualize CSAM, and what definitional variations exist? (2) what terminological trends and shifts can be identified in recent international and European legal discourse, and what role have soft law instruments played in driving terminological evolution in relation to binding legal instruments? By comparing the approaches reflected in key binding and non-binding instruments, such as the Lanzarote Convention, EU Directive 2011/93/EU, the UNCC, and recent policy documents adopted by international organizations, the article highlights the gradual shift toward more precise and victim-centered terminology. The findings reveal a gradual move toward more precise, harm-based, and victim-centered terminology, reflecting broader normative and policy developments in the field of child protection, driven primarily by the soft law instruments.