In a letter addressed to US Department of Justice(DOJ) and Department of Homeland Security(DHS), Senator Elizabeth Warren claims cryptocurrency is the preferred payment method for Child Sexual Abuse Materials (CSAM), and calls for Intervention.

"We are writing to express our concerns regarding the use of cryptocurrency in the illegal trade of Child Sexual Abuse Material(CSAM) and to obtain information about the tools needed by the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security to end this illicit trade."

The letter details several accounts where cryptocurrency was used to fund illicit activities, including but not limited to online child sexual exploitation.

Citing the involvement of the DOJ and DHS in handling numerous cryptocurrency cases, Senator Warren urged them to recognize the increasing prevalence of crypto transactions. She referenced a report by the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) which revealed that in 2021, 1,014 sites containing child sexual abuse offered criminals the option of crypto payments, compared to 468 sites in 2020.

The contention is that the anonymity of cryptocurrency provides a platform for criminal activities, hence making the anti-money laundering rules for detecting and stopping these crimes ineffective.

Senator Warren has inquired about the administration's plans to address these issues through a series of questions, including:

"Are reports indicating that "virtual currency is the dominant choice for buyers and sellers of commercial child sexual abuse content" consistent with the DOJ's and DHS's findings?"

"Does the use of cryptocurrency as payment for CSAM pose any unique challenges for the DOJ's and DHS's efforts to identify and prosecute these crimes?"

"What steps are they taking to address the use of cryptocurrency privacy coins and obfuscation methods by CSAM sellers?"

Responses to these questions are expected by May 10th.

It appears that the battle between Senator Elizabeth and cryptocurrency will be a lengthy and challenging one