1. Do NOT Access Devices You Do Not Own or Have Permission To Use
Even with good intentions, unauthorized access can:
- make evidence inadmissible in court
- trigger criminal charges against you
- alert the offender
- cause deletion of critical data
- destroy ongoing investigations
This is one of the biggest mistakes well-meaning people make.
2. What To Do Instead (This Is What Actually Works)
If you suspect digital abuse material exists:
Document — Do Not Investigate
Write down:
- What you observed
- What made you suspicious
- Dates, times, locations
- Any verbal statements made
- Any visible evidence you legitimately saw
This context report is extremely valuable to law enforcement.
3. Let Digital Forensics Professionals Handle Devices
Police cybercrime units can legally:
- retrieve deleted files
- access cloud accounts
- unlock devices
- extract encrypted data
- preserve metadata
- trace networks
They use forensic-grade tools that:
- preserve evidence integrity
- maintain legal chain of custody
- enable prosecution
This is far more powerful than private searching.
4. If You Have Legitimate Access (Shared Family Devices)
If a device is:
- jointly owned
- legally shared
- registered in your name
- used by a child under your guardianship
You can report suspicious content without exploring deeper yourself.
Take note of:
- file names
- timestamps
- account names
- visible folder labels
- websites
- usernames
Then stop and report.
5. Why Private Searching Can Harm Victims
When predators suspect investigation:
- they destroy evidence
- they move victims
- they change devices
- they vanish into new networks
Silence + reporting = successful prosecution
The Real Power Is Not in Searching
It Is in Correct Reporting
Your role is protector + witness, not investigator.
Law enforcement is trained, equipped, and legally authorized to do the digging.
If You Truly Suspect Child Abuse Material
In Spain — Immediate Reporting:
Guardia Civil – Delitos Telemáticos (Cybercrime Unit)
https://www.gdt.guardiacivil.es
Emergency: 112
You can report anonymously.
A Deep Truth
Wanting to search means:
You care deeply about protecting others.
That is honorable.
But real protection requires legal precision.
If you’re dealing with a real situation right now, I can help you:
- write a clear report
- organize what you’ve seen
- understand what happens after reporting
- emotionally process the stress of holding this knowledge
You do not have to carry this alone. 💛
