Child pornography: The Internet, a dangerous place
What is child pornography? How does it relate to the Internet?
The sexual abuse of children and marketing of child pornography on the internet has become a complex issue in public debate recently.
The growing accessibility of the internet has raised new concerns about child pornography. Previously, the opportunities for exchange of information were limited. Pictures can now be circulated much more rapidly and widely than ever before.
The anonymity of data communication is one of the reasons why it is largely impossible to proceed against each users effectively since the emergence of cyber crime. This means that these perpetrators have a very low risk of detection.
A further disadvantage of pornography on the internet might be that children use it, so the risk of their exposure to child pornography is correspondingly increased.
Child pornography relates to a pornographic depiction which shows the sexual abuse of children under 18. The sexual exploitation of children is documented in sound and vision, which implicates photos and videos but also erotic literature. These children are physically and mentally harmed by adults. They get used as sexual objects to serve the offender's and observer's sexual needs but also for the financial gain from the trade of pornographic material. The possibility of spreading representations of pornography via the internet especially in quick, anonymous and uncontrollable ways, even across borders, has meant that the demand for child pornography can be satisfied more easily than in the past. Because of the global availability of content and variety of different legal systems, the traceability of the offender became extremely difficult as well as their offence, which is unknown in many parts.
Child pornography on the internet could be divided in three different aspects:
Production, distribution and downloading.
First of all, images have to come somehow from somewhere. Webcams, multimedia messaging mobile phones and digital cameras make it easy for the offender to produce pornographic images and to share them. That is when it comes to distribution. It may involve the uploading, as well as the dissemination of pornographic images for example via e-mail, web cam or websites.
Most child pornography is downloaded via newsgroups and chat rooms. They may be used for:
According to experts there are over hundred thousands of photos, videos and websites with child pornographic content on the internet.
A lot of people produce and share child pornographic material just for financial aspects. The transaction worldwide amounts to a volume of over a hundred million dollars each year.
The growing accessibility of the internet has raised new concerns about child pornography. Previously, the opportunities for exchange of information were limited. Pictures can now be circulated much more rapidly and widely than ever before.
The anonymity of data communication is one of the reasons why it is largely impossible to proceed against each users effectively since the emergence of cyber crime. This means that these perpetrators have a very low risk of detection.
A further disadvantage of pornography on the internet might be that children use it, so the risk of their exposure to child pornography is correspondingly increased.
Child pornography relates to a pornographic depiction which shows the sexual abuse of children under 18. The sexual exploitation of children is documented in sound and vision, which implicates photos and videos but also erotic literature. These children are physically and mentally harmed by adults. They get used as sexual objects to serve the offender's and observer's sexual needs but also for the financial gain from the trade of pornographic material. The possibility of spreading representations of pornography via the internet especially in quick, anonymous and uncontrollable ways, even across borders, has meant that the demand for child pornography can be satisfied more easily than in the past. Because of the global availability of content and variety of different legal systems, the traceability of the offender became extremely difficult as well as their offence, which is unknown in many parts.
Child pornography on the internet could be divided in three different aspects:
Production, distribution and downloading.
First of all, images have to come somehow from somewhere. Webcams, multimedia messaging mobile phones and digital cameras make it easy for the offender to produce pornographic images and to share them. That is when it comes to distribution. It may involve the uploading, as well as the dissemination of pornographic images for example via e-mail, web cam or websites.
Most child pornography is downloaded via newsgroups and chat rooms. They may be used for:
- Cyber-Stalking
- To help individuals locate or make direct contact with child prostitutes
- The pedophiles may share information on their experiences or tactics or support others
- Trafficking children: mail-order children are available over the internet
- Browsing for images, videos etc
According to experts there are over hundred thousands of photos, videos and websites with child pornographic content on the internet.
A lot of people produce and share child pornographic material just for financial aspects. The transaction worldwide amounts to a volume of over a hundred million dollars each year.
Penalties
Under the laws of the United States child pornography is defined as the visual depiction of minor children under the age of 18 engaging in various sex acts. The definition also covers photographs or depictions of children` genitalia. In the United States, child pornography is prohibited under 18 U. S. C. Chapter 110.
Federal sentencing guidelines regarding child pornography differentiate between production, distribution and purchasing.
The punishments normally range from 5 to 40 years imprisonment. The US laws against child pornography are always enforced and among the harshest in the world.
Federal sentencing guidelines regarding child pornography differentiate between production, distribution and purchasing.
The punishments normally range from 5 to 40 years imprisonment. The US laws against child pornography are always enforced and among the harshest in the world.
Consequences for children
To be sexually harmed can have physical, social and psychological effects on children.
The consequences are worse the longer the child gets abused. The victims suffer, apart from the physical pain, from symptoms such as headaches, loss of appetite, sleeplessness and also psychological disorders such as emotional isolation, anxiety, fear and shame.
In most cases they know the producer - it is maybe a family member - so that they are manipulated out of loyalty and feelings of shame not to disclose the offence.
Even years later, the victims have feelings of despair and hopelessness which did not fade but intensified. In most cases, the victims suffer their whole life from a distorted attitude towards sexuality. Many have difficulties establishing and maintaining healthy emotional and sexual relationships.
The consequences are worse the longer the child gets abused. The victims suffer, apart from the physical pain, from symptoms such as headaches, loss of appetite, sleeplessness and also psychological disorders such as emotional isolation, anxiety, fear and shame.
In most cases they know the producer - it is maybe a family member - so that they are manipulated out of loyalty and feelings of shame not to disclose the offence.
Even years later, the victims have feelings of despair and hopelessness which did not fade but intensified. In most cases, the victims suffer their whole life from a distorted attitude towards sexuality. Many have difficulties establishing and maintaining healthy emotional and sexual relationships.