Child Pornography and the Internet
RUNNING HEAD: Child Pornography
Child Pornography
University of Phoenix
Child pornography is a known computer crime. “The Internet has created an exciting new world of information and communication for anyone with access to online services” (What is Child Pornography, 2008). Technology allows society the opportunity to learn about the things that are going on in the world via the Internet, but at the same time it has a major impact on the sexual exploitation of children, for example, the distribution of sexually exploitive images of children. Technology has modernized rapidly, making it easy to access and distribute images of children. When individuals have access to home computer technology it decreases the cost of production internationally. “Computer technology is transforming the production of these images into a sophisticated global cottage industry” (What is Child Pornography, 2008). “Child pornography is illegal under federal laws and laws in all 50 states; however, researchers and law enforcement officials believe this crime is increasing and the increase is related to growing Internet use” (What is Child Pornography, 2008). The United States Department of Justice created a regional task force to provide assistance to state and local law enforcement officials in combating crimes against children. They have also provided a number of resources to decrease the amount of child pornography, such as funding for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, www.cybertipline.com. This website allows the public to contact law enforcement with any information on child pornography and exploitation (CyberTipline, 2008). Online predators are constantly looking for victims. They frequent “kids only” chat rooms and begin communicating with children who freely give personal information about themselves to strangers. “A survey conducted by the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New
Child Pornography
University of Phoenix
Child pornography is a known computer crime. “The Internet has created an exciting new world of information and communication for anyone with access to online services” (What is Child Pornography, 2008). Technology allows society the opportunity to learn about the things that are going on in the world via the Internet, but at the same time it has a major impact on the sexual exploitation of children, for example, the distribution of sexually exploitive images of children. Technology has modernized rapidly, making it easy to access and distribute images of children. When individuals have access to home computer technology it decreases the cost of production internationally. “Computer technology is transforming the production of these images into a sophisticated global cottage industry” (What is Child Pornography, 2008). “Child pornography is illegal under federal laws and laws in all 50 states; however, researchers and law enforcement officials believe this crime is increasing and the increase is related to growing Internet use” (What is Child Pornography, 2008). The United States Department of Justice created a regional task force to provide assistance to state and local law enforcement officials in combating crimes against children. They have also provided a number of resources to decrease the amount of child pornography, such as funding for the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s CyberTipline, www.cybertipline.com. This website allows the public to contact law enforcement with any information on child pornography and exploitation (CyberTipline, 2008). Online predators are constantly looking for victims. They frequent “kids only” chat rooms and begin communicating with children who freely give personal information about themselves to strangers. “A survey conducted by the Crimes against Children Research Center at the University of New
References: Combating Child Pornography. (2002) Retrieved March 9, 2008 from http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d03272.pdf CyberTipline. (2008) Retrieved March 10, 2008 from www.cybertipline.com Federal Bureau of Investigation: Innocent Images National Initiative. (2007) Retrieved March 10, 2008 from http://www.fbi.gov/publications/innocent.htm. FindLaw for Legal Professionals. (n.d) Retrieved March 8, 2008 from caselaw.lp.findlaw.com/scripts/getcase.pl?court=us&vol=000&invol=00-795 - 120k Fine , G. Review of Child Pornography and Obscenity Crimes. (2001) Retrieved March 10, 2008 from http://www.usdoj.gov/oig/reports/plus/e0107/results.htm. Montaldo, C. U.S. Customs Agents Battle Child Pornography (2008) Retrieved March 9, 2008 from http://crime.about.com/od/childporn/a/customs_porn.htm. What is Child Pornography? (2008) Retrieved March 9, 2008 from http://www.missingkids.com/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?PageId=1504