Child Pornography on the Internet
| Date | 01 January 2000 |
| Published date | 01 January 2000 |
| Author | Khalid Khan |
| DOI | 10.1177/0032258X0007300103 |
| Subject Matter | Article |
KHALID KHAN LLB, LLM
University College, London
CHILD PORNOGRAPHY
ON THE INTERNET
Introduction
Atrans-border medium such as the Internet that has no regard for
frontiers and national states will inevitably result in conflicting opinions
in public morality and ethics. Sexual deviation and variation in one
country may not be tolerated in another country. For example, Italy is
less tolerant to homosexuality, in contrast to Sweden that has a liberal
view and even allows homosexual couples to marry (or enjoy the legal
equivalent to marriage).' The same line
of
reasoning can apply to
pornography and the law surrounding child pornography.
One might assume that there would be some international consensus
between national states to protect children from the abuse of being the
subject of pornography. However, it is apparent that this is not always
the case and public moral standards are extremely diverse all over the
world.' As a result, British authorities are trying to filter the vast
amounts
of
pornography on the Internet as required by UK law, but, are
unable to curve its lawful production in foreign states where it is legal.
An example can be taken
from
Japan, which is the only
industrialized country with a lawful child pornography industry that can
legally produce, sell and distribute both hard and softcore images of
children.'
This article will discuss the following:
•International consideration and moral standards that are reflected in
various jurisdictions.
The
Internet does not adhere to national
boundaries.
It
is impossible to isolate specific states with
incompatible laws that may not be sufficient to protect minors from
the illegal and harmful influences of child pornography on the
Internet.'
•Practical problems in identifying achild or adult. Computer
generated images can be manipulated and produce hybrid images.
These images may not directly harm children, but there is a fear
among law enforcement officials and parents that pornographic
images of children may promote paedophilia and child abuse.'
•Technical problems
of
detecting international paedophile rings or
syndicates.
The
efficiency
of
international collaboration between
enforcement agencies and the widespread use
of
encryption that
may hamper investigation or detection.
•Whether the 'moral panic' and fear of child pornography is justified
or exaggerated by an overwhelming public hysteria. Statistics
January 2000 The Police Journal 7
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