File(s) under permanent embargo
Internet subcultures and pathways to the use of child pornography
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 09:45 authored by Jeremy PrichardJeremy Prichard, Watters, PA, Caroline SpiranovicCaroline SpiranovicWith continual advances in Internet capability the child pornography market is experiencing a boom in demand and supply. Attempts to reduce the market challenge legislators, law enforcement agencies, practitioners and researchers alike – due in large part to the decentralised and global nature of the Internet. Much research has focused on frequent users of child pornography and whether such behaviour is interrelated with child sexual assaults. This article instead draws attention to onset, the first deliberate viewing of child pornography. It presents the results of a three-month study of a global Peer-to-Peer network, isoHunt. Analysis of the site’s Top 300 search terms indicated that child pornography is consistently shared. Risk factors for onset are discussed, including the potential normalisation of child pornography among Internet subcultures. Strategies are discussed to encourage subcultures to inhibit child pornography use and to increase understanding of the harms associated with such material. Implications for legal systems, policy and research are explored.
History
Publication title
Computer Law and Security ReviewVolume
27Issue
6Pagination
585-600ISSN
0267-3649Department/School
Faculty of LawPublisher
I W A PublishingPlace of publication
Southhampton UniversityRights statement
Copyright 2011 ElsevierRepository Status
- Restricted