ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on both the role of the technology in the creation, distribution, and access to sexual content featuring children, as well as the nature of the communities that support or justify sexual attractions to young people. It provides an overview of the ways in which pornography featuring adults differs from that of children, as well as the various ways in which individuals use child pornography, not only for personal use but to assist in developing sexual relationships with children online or offline. The chapter examines the laws used to prosecute child sexual exploitation and the organizations and law enforcement agencies. It also provides an overview of a recent case investigated by a joint operation including agents from the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement. In the USA, all states and the District of Columbia have criminalized the use, creation, possession, and distribution of child pornography and the sexual solicitation and exploitation of minors.
