In this specific case, as I understand it, the persons were chatting with what they believed was a real child. I think it's ok to judge based on intent in this

In this specific case, as I understand it, the persons were chatting with what they believed was a real child. I think it's ok to judge based on intent in this case. If there were a site where legally adult people posed as children using virtual avatars and voice-altering software selling sexual services and the site was advertised as such, then the issue becomes a lot more complex. My opinion is that as long as a person doesn't show clear intent (and this is a very slippery slope, I realise) to cause harm to a minor, they should not be persecuted for their actions. And if intent is clearly determined, but no harm was actually done, I'd prefer that the individual be not punished (including not having their communications monitored, though this might only be acceptable for first offenders), but asked to attend a form of therapy. On the other hand, if harm was done, the measures to be taken should depend on presence or absence of intent, as is in other cases.