The Reality and Legality of Child Pornography

Authors: [1] Bhavna Batra [2] Shivangni Srivastava

Pages: 1-5

Abstract:

“Unfortunately, we have also seen a historic rise in the distribution of child pornography, in the number of images being shared online, and in the level of violence associated with child exploitation and sexual abuse crimes. Tragically, the only place we have seen a decrease is in the age of victims. This is quite simply unacceptable.” -(ATTORNEY GENERAL ERIC HOLDER Jr. Speaks at the NATIONAL STRATEGY CONFERENCE ON COMBATING 1 CHILD EXPLOITATION IN SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA, MAY19, 2011). Under the ambit of POCSO ACT which was enacted by the parliament on 14th November, 2012 defines Child as any person below the age of 18 years and provide protection to all children under the age of 18 years from the offences of sexual assault, sexual harassment and Pornography. By the mid-1980’s, the trafficking of child pornography within the United States was almost completely eradicated through a series of successful campaigns waged by law enforcement. Anonymous distribution and receipt was not possible, and it was difficult for paedophiles (a person who is sexually attracted towards children) to find and interact with each other. For these reason, child pornographers became lonely and hunted individuals because the purchasing and trading of such images were 2 extremely risky. Unfortunately, the child pornography market exploded in the advent of the internet and advanced digital technology. The internet provides ground for individuals to create, access, and share child sexual abuse images worldwide at the click of a button. Child pornography images are readily available through virtually every internet technology including websites, email, and instant messaging/ICQ, internet relay chat(IRC), newsgroup, bulletin boards, peer to peer networks, and social networking sites. Child pornography offenders can connect on internet forums and networks to share their internets, desires, and experiences abusing children in addition to selling, sharing, and trading images. Moreover, these online communities have promoted communication between child pornography offenders, both normalizing their interest in children and desensitizing them to the physical and psychological damages inflicted on child victims. Online communities may also attract or promote new individuals to get involved in the sexual exploitation of children.