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Federal and State Law

Possessing, transmitting, selling or producing child pornography is illegal in the United States and its possessions. The federal penalties, in particular, are quite severe. Anyone involved in child pornography is advised to learn about the laws and the government’s commitment to enforcing them.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has a Crime Against Children Program. One of its efforts is the Innocent Images National Initiative which was started in 1995. The IINI enforces statutes involving:

  • possession, production, and/or distribution of child pornography facilitated by an online computer
  • interstate travel for sexual activity with a minor facilitated by the use of an online computer; and sexual exploitation of children facilitated by an online computer.

Multi-agency task forces have been sweeping the country, catching those who download and/or distribute child pornography. If you are engaged in these activities, BE WARNED! It’s time to stop – and to get help. The penalties are stiff, and even first time offenders are getting 2-5 years in federal prison.

If you know of someone who has been involved in viewing illegal child pornography, you should encourage them to stop. If they refuse, or if they have been involved in actual or attempted sexual contact with minors, you should report them to the authorities. Click above on Reporting Abuse or here.

For further information, click on the relevant below listings:

Federal and State Laws related to Child Pornography
- NOTE: this connects to the relevant portion of the website for the National Clearing House on Child Abuse and Neglect Information. It’s a 47 page document. Federal law is found on the last 4 pages.

Federal Penalties for Child Pornography Use and/or Distribution


 

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