Cyber Pornography: from Theoretical Viewpoint to Models of Criminal Action

Pornography existed before the creation of the Internet. It is not possible to say whether the advent of the Internet has fuelled the demand for pornography and expanded an existing market, or whether it simply satisfies in new ways a market that would have existed in any event. It is clear, though, that the Internet provides an environment for the proliferation of child pornography and the creation of an expanding market for its consumption. The Internet has increased the range, volume and accessibility of sexually abusive imagery, including child pornography. Child pornography depicts the sexual or sexualized physical abuse of children under 16 years of age. Some countries has joined many other nations in an international effort to combat this multi-faceted global menace that combines both heavily networked and highly individualized criminal behavior. This paper examines the typology of pornography offending, as well as law enforcement responses to the problem.