2.6.1 What is child sexual abuse material?

Child sexual abuse material, or CSAM, depicts or shows sexual abuse of children (individuals under the age of 18 years). It does not necessarily include items that are about the topic of child sexual abuse (e.g., public information posters, or child safety campaigns).

CSAM includes photographic images, video and film, and pseudo-photographic images (e.g., computer-generated images (CGI), tracings, and other high-clarity graphics that may look like photographs if printed), as well as non-photographic images or non-pseudo photographic images considered to be prohibited. These include illustrations, cartoons, and drawings (e.g. manga).

It may also include written descriptions or data in text form.

CSAM is the accepted term and is used throughout these procedures.

Please note that under no circumstances should the term 'child pornography' be used in reference to CSAM. This term is outdated and has the effect of legitimising what is, in reality, child abuse.

Child sexual abuse material are indecent images, including photographs, video, and pseudo-photographs, of children.

Pseudo-photographs are any images that would look like a photograph if printed, potentially including computer-generated images (CGI).