Legality of child pornography

Child pornography is illegal in most countries, but there is substantial variation in definitions, categories, penalties, and interpretations of laws. Differences include the definition of "child" under the laws, which can vary with the age of sexual consent; the definition of "child pornography" itself, for example on the basis of medium or degree of reality; and which actions are criminal (e.g. production, distribution, possession, and/or downloading and viewing of material).[1] Laws surrounding fictional child pornography are a major source of variation between jurisdictions; some maintain distinctions in legality between real and fictive pornography depicting minors, while others regulate fictive material under general laws against child pornography.

Several organizations and treaties have set non-binding guidelines (model legislation) for countries to follow. While a country may be a signatory, they may or may not have chosen to implement these guidelines. The information given in this article is subject to change as laws are consistently updated around the world.

International stance

Organizations

International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC)

This organization combats child sexual exploitation, child pornography, and child abduction. For child pornography they have set up "model legislation" which defines child pornography, and sets up recommended sanctions/sentencing. According to research performed in 2018; child pornography is illegal in 118 of the 196 Interpol member states. This figure represents countries that have sufficient legislation in establishing 4 or 5 of 5 criteria met as defined by the ICMEC.[1]

ECPAT International (ECPAT)

ECPAT focuses on halting the online sexual exploitation of children, the trafficking of children for sexual purposes and the sexual exploitation of children in the travel and tourism industry. This organization tracks countries that have implemented standards as defined by agreements such as the Convention on Cybercrime, and Lanzarote Convention through their human rights reports.[2][3]

Treaties

At least two major treaties are in place with one "optional protocol" to combat child pornography worldwide. These are considered international obligations to pass specific laws against child pornography which should be "punishable by appropriate penalties that take into account their grave nature". The first of these treaties has to do with The Council of Europe's Cybercrime Convention, the Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse, and the EU Framework Decision that became active in 2006. These required signatory or member states to criminalize all aspects of child pornography.[4] The second involves the United Nations which established Article 34 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). This stated that all signatories shall take appropriate measures to prevent the exploitative use of children in pornographic performances and materials. An optional protocol was also added that requires signatories to outlaw the "producing, distributing, disseminating, importing, exporting, offering, selling or possessing for the above purposes" of child pornography.[5] Some of the negotiations and reviews of the process took place at the World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children held in 1996 and 2001.[6]

Debate

While laws criminalizing child sexual abuse now exist in all countries of the world,[7][8] more diversity in law and public opinion exists on issues such as the exact minimum age of those depicted in pornography, whether the mere possession of child pornography should be a crime, or the extent to which criminal law should distinguish between the possession, acquisition, distribution and production of child pornography. Convictions involving child pornography typically include prison sentences in most countries, but those sentences are often converted to probation or fines for first-time offenders in cases of mere possession.[4]

In 1999, in the case of R. v. Sharpe, British Columbia's highest court struck down a law against possessing child pornography as unconstitutional.[9] That opinion, written by Justice Duncan Shaw, held, "There is no evidence that demonstrates a significant increase in the danger to children caused by pornography", and "A person who is prone to act on his fantasies will likely do so irrespective of the availability of pornography."[10] The Opposition in the Canadian Parliament considered invoking the notwithstanding clause to override the court's ruling.[11] However, it was not necessary because the Canadian Supreme Court overturned the decision with several findings including that viewing such material makes it more likely that the viewer will abuse, that the existence of such materials further hurts the victims as they know of its existence, and that the demand for such images encourages the abuse.[12]

In the United States, some federal judges have argued that the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines' recommended penalties for possessors of child pornography are too harsh.[13] Judge Jack B. Weinstein of New York criticizes the mandatory sentence for possession of child pornography as often higher than the penalty for actually committing the act of child abuse it depicts. Furthermore, child pornography prosecutions have led to dozens of suicides, some of them among the innocently accused.[14] The requirement that people convicted of possessing child pornography pay restitution has been criticized by some judges and law professors. This has been particularly controversial in cases involving millions of dollars of restitution, as in those pertaining to the Misty Series.[15] But in 2010, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that restitution directly to depicted minors was an appropriate penalty for possession of child pornography.[16]

During the nomination process at the 2008 Libertarian National Convention, anarcho-capitalist and U.S. presidential candidate Mary Ruwart came under fire for her comment in her 1998 book, Short Answers to the Tough Questions, in which she stated her opposition not only to laws against possession of child pornography but even against its production, based on her belief that such laws actually encourage such behavior by increasing prices.[17] Shane Cory, on behalf of the minarchist United States Libertarian Party in his role as executive director, issued a response saying, "We have an obligation to protect children from sexual exploitation and abuse, and we can do this by increasing communication between state and federal agencies to help combat this repulsive industry. While privacy rights should always be respected in the pursuit of child pornographers, more needs to be done to track down and prosecute the twisted individuals who exploit innocent children." Cory resigned after the party refused to vote on a resolution asking states to strongly enforce existing child porn laws.[18]

Status by country

Table legend
Legality Description
Illegal Real child pornography: This tag assumes the sale, production, and distribution of child pornography is illegal (de jure) by default unless stated otherwise.

Fictional child pornography: This tag assumes the sale, production, and distribution of fictional child pornography is illegal (de jure) by default unless stated otherwise.
Possession: Possessing (including simple possession) is illegal (de jure) for both fictional and real child pornography by default unless stated otherwise.

Situational Real child pornography: This may cover a partially legal situation, or one where the law is not enforced. Details can be found in the "short summary" section.

Fictional child pornography: This is used when fictional child pornography is not clearly defined by law, or for countries which define what parts are legal/Illegal.
Possession: If only fictional child pornography is legal, then by default possession of it is legal as well. This also covers partly legal and unenforced situations.

Legal Real or fictional child pornography: No restrictions are in place.

Possession: No restrictions are in place.

No data The status of the law is unknown, this may change with additional sourcing.

Africa

Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary
Algeria Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Algeria by any means per Article 333 bis 1 of their penal code.[19] Punishments include prison sentences of up to 5 to 10 years with a fine of 500,000 DA to 1,000,000 DA.[20]
Angola Illegal No data Legal Article 184 of the Angolan penal code prohibits the production, transport and sale of sexually explicit material involving a child.[21] The law does not include simple possession or mention fictional material.[22]
Benin Illegal Illegal Illegal The "Child Code" of Benin prohibits child pornography including possession and simulated images. Persons convicted of child pornography face sentences of two to five years' imprisonment and fines ranging from two to five million CFA francs ($3,610 to $9,025).[1]
Botswana Illegal Illegal: electronic forms Illegal Possession of child pornography is illegal in Botswana, and punishable with between 5 and 15 years' imprisonment.[23] Electronic forms of an apparent child are also illegal, but define a "child" as under the age of 14.[24]
Burkina Faso Illegal; not defined Legal Legal Child pornography is illegal in Burkina Faso, but not clearly defined. Mere possession, simulated representations, or realistic images of a non-existent child are not criminalized.[25][26]
Burundi Illegal No data Legal Child pornography is illegal in Burundi and punishable by fines and between 3 and 5 years in prison.[27] Possession of child pornography is not criminalized.[28]
Cameroon Illegal Illegal Illegal Producing, possessing, or distributing child pornography is illegal in Cameroon with punishments of 5 to 10 years of imprisonment and fines from 5 million CFA francs to 10 million CFA francs.[19][29] Virtual child pornography (“realistic” images) and a person “appearing” to be a child are also punishable conducts.[30]
Cape Verde Illegal No data Illegal Cape Verdean law prohibits the use of children under age 18 in pornography, with penalties for conviction of up to three years' imprisonment.[1][31]
Central African Republic Legal Legal Legal No laws in the Central African Republic prohibit child pornography.[32]
Chad Illegal No data Illegal Article 362 of the Penal Code 2017 of Chad criminalizes the production, distribution, importation, exportation, supply, making available, sale, obtaining or handing over to others, possession of any material.[1]
Comoros Illegal No data No data Conviction of child pornography is punishable in Comoros by fines or imprisonment.[33] There is no information available regarding fictional forms or mere possession.
Democratic Republic of the Congo Illegal Illegal Illegal The Democratic Republic of the Congo's penal code prohibits child pornography by any means whatsoever. Those convicted face 10 to 20 years imprisonment.[1][34][35] Mere possession by any means is not addressed in the law.
Republic of Congo Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography (including possession) in the Republic of the Congo is punishable by Article 66 of the Law on the Protection of the Child of the Republic of Congo (Law No. 4-2010).[1]
Djibouti Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[36]
Egypt Illegal; not defined Illegal Illegal While all forms of pornography are prohibited, Egyptian laws do not specifically define or prohibit child pornography.[37][38]
Equatorial Guinea Legal Legal Legal No laws in Equatorial Guinea prohibit child pornography.[39]
Eritrea Illegal No data No data Child pornography is illegal in Eritrea, however this law does not mention possession or anything fictional.[40]
Eswatini Illegal Illegal Illegal Practices related to child pornography are illegal in Eswatini under the "Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, 2018".[41] Offenders face up to 25 years imprisonment.[42]
Ethiopia Illegal; not defined Illegal: electronic forms Illegal Child pornography is illegal (but not defined) in Ethiopia per Article 12 of the "Computer Crime Proclamation (2016)" act.[43][44] There is no information given for physical forms such as drawings or paintings.
Gabon Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[45]
The Gambia Illegal; not defined No data Legal While child pornography is illegal in the Gambia, the law in place is "extremely under-developed".[46] Mere possession of "child sexual abuse materials" is not criminalized.[46]
Ghana Illegal; not defined Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Ghana, but no clear definition is given on what “sexually explicit conduct” means leaving the law open for discretion.[47] Virtual child pornography (“realistic” images) and a person “appearing” to be a child are also punishable conducts.[30]
Guinea Illegal, but unenforced Illegal, but unenforced Illegal, but unenforced Child pornography in any representation is illegal in Guinea under the "Criminal Code Act (1974)".[48] The United States Department of State notes that this law is "generally unenforced".[49]
Guinea-Bissau Illegal No data Legal Child pornography is illegal in Guinea-Bissau, but possession and distribution are not criminally prohibited.[50][51]
Ivory Coast Illegal No data No data The law in Ivory Coast prohibits the use, recruitment, or offering of minors for commercial sex or use in pornographic films, pictures, or events.[52]
Kenya Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[53]
Lesotho Illegal No data No data Child pornography is illegal in Lesotho, and is punishable by not less than 10 years' imprisonment.[54]
Liberia Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal "in any form or manner" and is punishable by up to five years' imprisonment.[1][55]
Libya Legal Legal Legal No laws in Libya prohibit child pornography.[56]
Madagascar Illegal Illegal Illegal Article 346 of the Penal Code of Madagascar criminalizes the use of “any means” to disseminate child pornography.[1] Officials have stated that the laws were often not uniformly interpreted or applied.[57]
Malawi Illegal; not defined Illegal Illegal Although laws in Malawi do not clearly define child pornography, it criminalises possession with a sanction of 14 years' imprisonment. This covers any visual depiction, including any photograph, film, video, image, whether made or produced by electronic, mechanical, or other means.[58]
Mali Illegal Illegal No data Child pornography is illegal in Mali per Article 228 of the 2001 adopted penal code.[59] Penalties for conviction range from five to 20 years in prison.[60] This law includes "pornographic pictures, films or drawings showing one or several minors aged less than thirteen".[59]
Mauritania Illegal No data Illegal Possession of child pornography is illegal in Mauritania with penalties of 2 months to 1 year in prison and a fine.[61]
Mauritius Illegal Legally unclear Illegal While child pornography and possession is illegal in Mauritius, its unclear whether pure fiction counts as a representation of a person.[62][63]
Morocco
(including most of Western Sahara)
Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[64][65]
Mozambique Illegal, partly enforced No data Illegal, partly enforced Child pornography is illegal in Mozambique but is only partly enforced.[1][66]
Namibia Illegal No data Illegal Production and possession of child pornography is illegal in Namibia.[67]
Niger Illegal No data No data Child pornography is illegal in Niger.[68]
Nigeria Illegal Illegal Illegal The Child Rights Act makes child pornography illegal in Nigeria, but not all states have implemented it.[69] It is also criminalized by the Cybercrimes Prohibition Act of 2015.[70] Virtual child pornography (“realistic” images) and a person “appearing” to be a child are also punishable conducts.[30]
Rwanda Illegal Illegal No data Child pornography is illegal in Rwanda, and convictions are punishable by life imprisonment along with a substantial monetary fine.[71] The law also applies to "objects of sexual nature" which includes the production of writings and drawings.[72]
São Tomé and Príncipe Illegal No data No data Child pornography is illegal in São Tomé and Príncipe per article 180 of the penal code.[1][73]
Senegal Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[74][75]
Seychelles Illegal Illegal; not defined Illegal Producing or possessing child pornography is illegal in Seychelles, with imprisonment for conviction of up to 20 years.[76] Fictional 'indecent' images or representations are also illegal, but these remain undefined in the law.[77]
Sierra Leone Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Sierra Leone ("includes other visual representation") punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than 10 years.[1][78]
Somalia Legal Legal Legal No laws in Somalia criminally prohibit child pornography.[79]
South Africa Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography are illegal in South Africa. This includes possessing, creating, or importing any image or description of a person "real or simulated".[80][81]
South Sudan Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[82]
Sudan Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[83]
Tanzania Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[84]
Togo Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Togo by any means whatsoever, and is punishable by 5 to 10 years in prison.[1][85]
Tunisia Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[86]
Uganda Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography are prohibited.[87]
Zambia Illegal; not defined Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Zambia but is not defined.[88][89]
Zimbabwe Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Zimbabwe as anyone in possession can be charged with public indecency which is punishable by a 'small fine", imprisonment up to 6 months, or both.[90] All forms of pornography are prohibited.[91]
Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary

Asia

Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary
Afghanistan No data No data No data Child pornography was illegal in Afghanistan under the Afghan penal code: “[i]f an adult male has intercourse with a person younger than the legal age, his act shall be considered rape and the victim's consent is invalid.” This law also applied to women offenders who may have been additionally charged with adultery.[92] Following Fall of Kabul and subsequent takeover of power by the Taliban in 2021, the legal status of child pornography is unclear.
Azerbaijan Illegal Illegal No data All forms of child pornography are illegal in Azerbaijan, but laws regarding simple possession are not stated.[93][94]
Bahrain Illegal No data Legally unclear: In hand Child pornography is forbidden in Bahrain, its legally unclear if this applies to non electronic possession or fictional forms.[95][96]
Bangladesh Illegal Legal Legally unclear: fictional Child pornography is illegal in Bangladesh except for virtual forms which are not addressed.[97]
Bhutan Illegal Legally unclear No data Child pornography is illegal in Bhutan as it falls under "obscene material". Virtual child pornography, and mere possession are not addressed.[98][99]
Brunei Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[100]
Cambodia Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited in Cambodia, which includes photographs and drawings.[101]
China (including Hong Kong and Macau) Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited with the exceptions of Hong Kong and Macau, which only make child pornography illegal.[102][103]
Cyprus Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Cyprus with maximum sentences of up to life in prison.[104]
India Illegal Legal, art only Illegal All forms of pornography except fictional depictions "in the interest of art or literature" are prohibited.[105][106]
Indonesia Illegal; not defined Illegal, not defined Illegal, not defined All forms of pornography in Indonesia are prohibited in theory. The law makes no clear definition of child pornography and its forms.[107]
Iran Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[108]
Iraq Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[109]
Israel (excluding Palestinian territories) Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography are illegal in Israel. This includes possession and fictional depictions.[110]
Japan Illegal Legal Legal; fictional only Simple possession, production, and distribution of child pornography is illegal in Japan.[111][112] Fictional child pornography, such as Lolicon and Shotacon, are excluded from the law. These fall under "cultural and artistic activities" which are protected by freedom of expression.[113]
Jordan Legal; restricted online Legally unclear Legal Child pornography is not explicitly defined nor criminalized in the Jordanian legislation, but there are online laws in place which criminalize dissemination.[114]
Kazakhstan Illegal No data Legal Child pornography is illegal in Kazakhstan except for mere possession.[115] The law also provides administrative penalties to cover the sale of pornographic materials to minors.[116]
North Korea Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[117][118]
South Korea Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography (real or fictional) are prohibited. These actively enforced laws also allow government monitoring and censorship, possession of any form (child or not) is also illegal.[119][120]
Kuwait Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[121]
Kyrgyzstan Illegal; not defined Legally unclear Legal; some restrictions While child pornography is illegal in Kyrgyzstan, there is no legislation that defines child pornography by law.[122] Computer related activities such as access to child pornography online, and mere possession are not fully criminalized.[122][123]
Laos Illegal Legally unclear Legal Laws in Laos prohibit the dissemination of pornography, giving it a broad definition that could be interpreted to include simulated representations of children. Simple possession is not criminalized.[124]
Lebanon Illegal Illegal No data The Penal Code and Law 422 protect children from child pornography which include the artificial practice of simulating sexual activities or virtual portrayals.[125][126]
Malaysia Illegal Illegal Illegal Offenses related to child pornography in Malaysia was loosely defined in the Penal Code, before being restricted in detail with the inclusion of Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (first amended in 2023). [127]
Maldives Illegal; not defined Legally unclear Illegal While all forms of pornography are prohibited in Maldives under Sharia, there are no specific provisions defining "child pornography".[128][129]
Mongolia Illegal; not defined Legally unclear No data While illegal, there are no specific provisions focused on child pornography. Legal penalties depend on the interpretation of other related laws.[130]
Myanmar Illegal No data No data Child pornography is illegal in Myanmar, it is unknown if the law covers simple possession or fictional forms.[131]
Nepal Illegal Legal Legally unclear; real Nepalese law prohibits taking or allowing to be taken any photograph of children for the purpose of engaging a child in immoral profession. Virtual child pornography is not criminalized under Nepalese law, while mere possession under "real" is not mentioned.[132][133]
Oman Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[134]
Pakistan Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography (adult and child) are prohibited.[135][136]
Philippines Illegal Illegal Illegal The "Anti-Child Pornography Act" makes child pornography illegal in the Philippines in all forms.[137][138]
Qatar Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[139]
Saudi Arabia Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Saudi Arabia. This includes possession but virtual/fictional forms are not addressed.[140]
Singapore Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography are prohibited.[141][142][143] ICMEC Singapore has a voluntary Asia-Pacific Financial Coalition Against Child Pornography (APAC-FCACP) to fight online child sexual exploitation.[144]
Sri Lanka Illegal; not defined Legally unclear Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Sri Lanka, but is undefined, and not always enforced by authorities.[145][146] "Fictional" child pornography such as drawings and cartoons are also covered but face the same undefined issue.[146]
Syria Illegal, possibly unenforced No data Illegal, possibly unenforced Syrian law considers child pornography a trafficking crime, but the punishment for child pornography is set at the local level with unclear enforcement.[147]
Taiwan Illegal Legal Legal; fictional only The "Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act" criminalizes the production, broadcast, distribution, and exhibition of pornography. Simple possession of such materials without justifiable cause is punishable by fines.[148] Fictional child pornography, with the exception of creations depicting real people or realistic images generated by AI, are excluded from the "Child and Youth Sexual Exploitation Prevention Act".[149]
Tajikistan Illegal Legal Legal; fictional only Child pornography is illegal in Tajikistan, except for possession which is not mentioned by law.[150][151] Virtual child pornography, and suggestive representations of children are not defined.[150]
Thailand Illegal Legally unclear Illegal Child pornography including possession is illegal in Thailand,[152] as is pornography in general.[153] According to ECPAT though, the law does not reflect the definition of virtual “child pornography” set forth in international legal instruments.[154]
East Timor Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography including possession of it is illegal in East Timor. Convictions are punishable with 3 to 10 years imprisonment.[155]
Turkey Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography and possession is illegal in Turkey with imprisonment of 2 to 5 years and a fine for violations. Fictional child pornography has been illegal since 2016.[156]
Turkmenistan Illegal; not defined Legally unclear No data While there are no specific child pornography laws in Turkmenistan, legislation states that the production and dissemination of (child) pornographic printed publications, films or any pornographic items shall be prohibited.[157][158]
United Arab Emirates Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal,[159] and all forms of pornography.[160]
Uzbekistan Illegal No data Legal Although the production and distribution of child pornography are criminally prohibited, possession is not criminalized in Uzbekistan.[161]
Vietnam Illegal; not defined Legally unclear No data Child pornography is illegal, but not defined under Vietnamese law.[162] The production, distribution, dissemination, and sale of material deemed to be child pornography is punishable by 3 to 10 years in prison.[163] Virtual "child pornography" is not defined or explicitly criminalized.[162]
Yemen Illegal, but unenforced No data No data The legal framework in Yemen does not adequately prohibit child pornography.[164] This country has been hampered by an ongoing civil war since 2014, and the extent of Sharia law implementation is unclear.[165]
Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary

Europe

Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary
Albania Illegal Legal Legal; fictional only The production and distribution of child pornography is illegal in Albania, and is punishable by a prison sentence of three to 10 years.[166] While the possession of "real" child pornography is illegal, there are no provisions for fictional forms.[167]
Andorra Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography (real or fictional) including ownership are illegal in Andorra. Prison sentences range from one to four years depending on the severity of the crime committed.[168][169]
Armenia Illegal No data No data Child pornography is illegal in Armenia and punishable by up to 7 years in prison.[170]
Austria Illegal Legal; not realistic Legal; fictional only Child pornography is illegal in Austria except for unrealistic depictions.[171][172] Photorealistic (lit. "close to reality") forms are prohibited, and are treated as regular child pornography.[171]
Belarus Illegal Legal Legal Producing and distributing pornographic materials depicting a minor is illegal in Belarus, and punishable by up to 13 years in prison.[173] The law does not criminalize simple possession or virtual forms of "child pornography".[174]
Belgium Illegal Legal; not realistic Legal; fictional only Possession of, producing, and disseminating child pornography is illegal in Belgium.[175] While fictional child pornography is legal, the law applies to pornographic art that realistically depicts underage characters.[176]
Bosnia and Herzegovina Illegal Illegal Illegal The Criminal Codes of FBiH, RS, and BD prohibit the production, possession, and distribution of child pornography.[177] These laws also apply to a person who "looks like a child" in real or explicitly simulated evident sexual behaviour.[178]
Bulgaria Illegal Legal Legal; fictional only Child pornography and possession is illegal in Bulgaria.[179][180] Fictional forms such as "realistic images" or "virtual" representations are not included nor criminalized.[179][181]
Croatia Illegal Legal; artwork only Legal; Artwork only Child pornography is illegal in Croatia with laws actively enforced.[182][183] Fictional forms are only allowed if they are considered to be "artistic, medical, scientific, and informative" content.[183]
Czech Republic Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography and possession is illegal in the Czech Republic with laws that are actively enforced.[184] There is no information regarding the implementation of fictional child pornography laws.
Denmark
(including all territories)
Illegal Legal Legal; fictional only Possession, distribution, and production of child pornography is illegal under Danish law. Penalties for the distribution of child pornography include up to a six-year prison sentence.[185][186] Fictional forms are legal as there are no laws in Denmark which prohibit "pornographic" drawings of children.[187]
Estonia Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Estonia with punishments ranging from a fine to three years in prison.[188] While fictional forms are also illegal per article 178 of the Penal Code, this law does not apply to Estonian citizens who legally commit the offense abroad.[189]
Finland
(including Åland)
Illegal Legal; not realistic Legal; fictional only Under Finnish law, it is illegal to possess, produce or distribute child pornography.[190] If there is no child (defined as a real person) in child pornography, then it is legal depending on realism.[190]
France
(including all territories)
Illegal Legal; Artwork only Legal; Artwork only Child pornography is illegal in France, with a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a 75,000 fine for its use and distribution.[191] Fictional forms are also covered in the law except for works which are deemed artistic in value.[191][192]
Georgia Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography including possession are illegal in Georgia, and punishable by up to five years' imprisonment.[1][193]
Germany Illegal Legal; No real events related Legal; fictional only Distributing, acquiring, and possessing child pornography is illegal in Germany with punishments from one year to 10 years imprisonment.[194] Fictional "child pornography" is legal as long as it does not produce or reproduce an actual event.[194]
Greece Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography are illegal in Greece. Article 348A of the Greek criminal code punishes offenders with imprisonment of at least one year and a fine of €10,000 to €100,000.[195]
Hungary Illegal Legal; not realistic Legal; fictional only Child pornography and possession is illegal in Hungary per "Act C" of the 2012 criminal code. Hungarian law defines "child pornography" as "any video, movie or photograph or other form of recording".[196] This law does not include capturing a child (under 18) by drawing or painting as long as the content is non "realistic".[197][198][199]
Iceland Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography (adult and child) are prohibited.[200]
Ireland Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography and possession are illegal in Ireland.[201] This includes 'pornography" that doesn't contain any "real children".[202]
Italy Illegal Legally unclear Illegal Child pornography and possession is illegal in Italy per Article 600 of the Italian criminal code. [203][204]
Latvia Illegal Legal; Artwork only Legal; Artwork only All forms of child pornography are prohibited in Latvia except for works that are educational, informative, scientific, or artistic in value.[205]
Liechtenstein Illegal Illegal Illegal Possession or distribution of child pornography is a criminal offense, with penalties of up to three years in prison.[206] The legal definition of "pornographic depictions of minors" makes no distinction between real or fictional pornography.[207]
Lithuania Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography and possession is illegal in Lithuania per Articles 162 and 309 of the Lithuanian criminal code. The law includes material "displaying a child or presenting a person as a child", with punishments of up to 3 years imprisonment.[208]
Luxembourg Illegal; not defined No data Illegal Child pornography (including possession) is illegal in Luxembourg. An ongoing issue is that there is no clear definition for "child pornography" as highly sexualised pictures of children are sometimes considered perfectly legal.[209][210] The law does not mention fictional forms leaving no data available.
Malta Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography and possession is illegal in Malta with punishments ranging from 3 to 12 years imprisonment depending on the action involved.[211] This law also includes simulated images in the form of drawings and cartoons under Malta's criminal code.[212]
Moldova Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography, in both real or fictional forms is illegal in Moldova according to article 208.1 of the penal code, with punishments ranging from 1 to 3 years imprisonment.[213][214]
Monaco Illegal Legally unclear; not realistic Legally unclear: fictional Child pornography and possession is illegal in Monaco per Article 294-3 of the Monacan criminal code. The law also includes falsified "realistic" images of a physical person that was fully or partially created using digital technology.[215] No information is given for other possible real or unrealistic forms.
Montenegro Illegal; not defined Legally unclear Legally unclear: fictional Article 211 of the Criminal Code criminalises “pornographic” content and performances but does not define the term “pornographic” or what is considered to be “child pornography”.[216][217] Fictional forms are not defined or criminalized, but a provision under Article 211 could cover them.[217]
Netherlands
(including all territories)
Illegal Legally unclear; not realistic Legally unclear: fictional Child pornography and possession is illegal in the Netherlands per Article 240b of the criminal code.[218] The law also includes "realistic" images which are in a legal grey area, as judgements are made that vary from image to image.[219]
North Macedonia Illegal Legally unclear; not realistic Legally unclear: fictional Child pornography and possession is illegal in North Macedonia per Article 193 (plus a and b) of the criminal code.[220] The law also covers "realistic pictures" without providing a definition.[220]
Norway
(including all territories)
Illegal Legally unclear Illegal Child pornography and possession is illegal in Norway per Section 311 of the penal code. This is defined as any depiction of sexual abuse of children, or any content that sexualises children. "Children" is defined as "persons who are or appear to be under 18 years of age". The law makes an exception for works deemed to be artistic, scientific, and/or informational, as well as cases involving 16 and 17 year olds "if this person consented and the two are approximately equal in age and development".[221]
Poland Illegal; not defined Legally unclear Legally unclear: fictional Child pornography (including possession) is illegal in Poland, but legislation does not define the concept of "child pornography".[222] Fictional forms are in a legal gray area as they could arguably fall under Section 4b of article 202 of the penal code.[222]
Portugal
(including all territories)
Illegal Legally unclear Legally unclear: fictional Child pornography and possession is illegal in Portugal under Article 176 of the Portuguese penal code.[2] The law is also vague in its definition of "pornographic depictions" when mentioning "realistic representations of children".[223][Note 2]
Romania Illegal Legally unclear Legally unclear: fictional Art. 374 of the Romanian Penal Code defines "Child pornography material" as any material “presenting a minor having explicit sexual behaviour or an adult who is presented as a minor having explicit sexual behaviour or images that, although not presenting a real person, simulate, credibly, a minor having that kind of behaviour and any representation of children sexual organs with the intent of depicting sexual behaviour.”[225] It's unclear if images that present unrealistic fictional characters are also considered images that simulate minors.[226][227][228]
Russia
(including occupied Ukraine)
Illegal Illegal Legal Storage with the intend of distribution of child pornography is illegal in Russia according to article 242-1 of the Criminal Code.[229][230] There is also nothing in the law that prohibits simple possession of child pornography.[231][230]
San Marino Illegal No data Legal Child pornography is illegal in San Marino except for simple possession.[232][233] There is no data available for fictional forms.
Serbia Illegal Legal; not "abusive" Legal; Fictional only Child pornography is illegal in Serbia under article 185 of the criminal code, being punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.[234][235] Fictional forms are not criminalized unless they are found to be abusive to a "juvenile" by electronic or other means.
Slovakia Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography (including possession) is illegal in Slovakia under sections 368-370 of the criminal code.[236] Penalties range from two to 20 years' imprisonment.[237] Section 127 of the criminal code defines "child" as "a person under eighteen years of age, unless [they] ha[ve] reached the legal age earlier". The section defines child pornography as "pornographic material that visually depicts sexual intercourse, different act of sexual intercourse, or other conduct similar to sexual intercourse with a child, or naked parts of the child’s body, and that is designed to gratify sexual desire of another." It is not known if fictional content would fall under that definition.

However, in June 2013, the law was amended to prohibit "depiction of real or pretended intercourse, another method of sexual intercourse or other similar sexual intercourse with a child or a person who looks like a child, or the depiction of exposed parts of the body of a child or a person who looks like a child aimed at inducing the sexual satisfaction of another person". Accordingly, it is probable that fictional depictions fall under this definition.[238]

Slovenia Illegal Legally unclear; not realistic Legally unclear: fictional Child pornography (including possession) is illegal in Slovenia under article 176 of the criminal code.[239][240] While the law also covers "pornographic or other sexual material depicting minors or their realistic images", no definition of "realistic" is given.[239]
Spain
(including all territories)
Illegal Legal; not realistic Legal; fictional only Child pornography (including "real" possession) is illegal in Spain per Article 189 of the Spanish criminal code.[241][242] Exceptions include fictional depictions that are not realistic enough to fall under the scope of the law.[243]
Sweden Illegal Legally unclear Legally unclear: fictional Child pornography (including "real" possession) is illegal in Sweden per chapter 16, section 10A of the Swedish penal code.[244] In terms of "fictional" depictions, Sweden's supreme court ruled that a "manga expert" could keep one or two drawings in his possession that could, in other cases, be regarded as illegal child pornography.[245][246]
Switzerland Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography, including possession, is illegal in Switzerland per article 197 of the Swiss Criminal Code.[247][248] This law includes purely fictional forms such as drawings or virtual depictions.[249]
Ukraine Illegal Illegal Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Ukraine which defines[250] it as a "depicting in any way a child or a person who looks like a child, in a real or simulated sexually explicit image or involved in real or simulated sexual behaviour, or any image of the child's genitals for sexual purposes".[251][252] Article 301-1 of the Criminal Code (added in 2021) prohibits possession. As Ukraine is currently subject to an invasion, occupied land controlled by Russia is in a legal gray area.
United Kingdom (including all territories) Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography (real or fictional) including possession is illegal in the United Kingdom per the Protection of Children Act of 1978 and the Coroners and Justice Act 2009. The law includes real and fictional "indecent pseudo-photographs of a child".[253][254] Punishments for indictment incur a maximum of 10 years imprisonment.[255]
Vatican City Illegal No data Illegal Pope Francis specifically listed possession of child pornography as a crime against children that can be punished by up to 12 years in prison.[256]
Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary

North America

Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary
Antigua and Barbuda Illegal No data No data Child pornography is illegal in Antigua and Barbuda. Offenders are subject to fines of up to $500,000 XCD ($185,000) and 20 years in prison.[257]
The Bahamas Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography including mere possession of it are illegal in the Bahamas. Those found guilty are liable to imprisonment for life.[258]
Barbados Legal: film distribution only Legal; not realistic Legal; fictional only The Protection of Children Act prohibits the use of children in pornographic activities, but this does not apply to distribution of films.[259] Non-realistic representations without involvement from a real person are excluded in the law.[260][261]
Belize Illegal Illegal Illegal The law in Belize prohibits the simple possession of child pornography.[262]
Canada Illegal Illegal Illegal Section 163.1 of the Criminal Code of Canada, enacted on June 25, 1993,[263] forbids the production, distribution, and possession of both real and fictional child pornography, including material in the form of writing,[264] fictional visual representations,[265] and audiovisual recordings. Maximum punishments vary from ten to fourteen years in prison depending on the type of offense.[266][267][268]
Costa Rica Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography, including its possession, are illegal in Costa Rica. Defendants found guilty of selling, financing, distributing or exhibiting child pornography will serve convictions of four to eight years.[269][270][271]
Cuba Illegal No data Legal Child pornography is illegal in Cuba, and the law imposes seven- to 15-years' imprisonment. Mere possession of child pornography is not criminalized.[272]
Dominica Legal Legal Legal There are no laws in Dominica that prohibit child pornography.[273]
Dominican Republic Illegal Illegal Illegal: electronic form Laws in the Dominican Republic contain specific provisions that prohibit child pornography.[269][274] Possession is only illegal in electronic form.[275]
El Salvador Illegal, but unenforced Legal Legal; Fictional only El Salvador's penal Code prohibits child pornography involving real children. This remains unenforced due to inadequate training and resources.[269][276]
Grenada Illegal: electronic forms Legal; complex situation[Note 3] Illegal: electronic forms Electronic forms of child pornography are illegal in Grenada under the Electronic Crimes Act. Psychical forms and possession of them are not mentioned.[277]
Guatemala Illegal; production Illegal Legal Production of child pornography is illegal in Guatemala. Non-realistic images of child pornography are also criminalized, but possession remains legal.[269][278]
Haiti Illegal, but unenforced Legal Legal Haitian law prohibits child pornography, but there are no mechanisms established for enforcement.[279] There are also no provisions on the production, possession, and dissemination of child pornography.[280]
Honduras Illegal Legal Legal; Fictional only Pornography involving real children is illegal in Honduras. Penalties range from 4 to 15 years imprisonment from possession to distribution, production, etc.[269][281]
Jamaica Illegal Illegal Illegal The production, possession, importation, exportation, and distribution of child pornography is illegal in Jamaica and is punishable by a maximum penalty of 23 years in prison and a fine of J$500,000.[282]
Mexico Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography are illegal in Mexico with prison sentences ranging from six months to 12 years depending on the felon's age.[269][283][284]
Nicaragua Illegal Illegal No data All forms of child pornography are illegal in Nicaragua, including fictional drawings.[269] The government generally enforces the law with prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years.[285]
Panama Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography including possession are illegal in Panama.[269][286]
Saint Kitts and Nevis Illegal: electronic forms Legally unclear; not realistic Illegal; electronic forms The criminal code makes publishing, producing, or possessing child pornography through an electronic device a crime. There is no information given on psychical forms, unrealistic images, and possession of them.[287]
Saint Lucia Legal Legal Legal There are no laws in Saint Lucia that define or specifically prohibit child pornography.[288]
Trinidad and Tobago Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography and possession of it is illegal in Trinidad and Tobago. Offenders are liable on conviction on indictment, to a fine of thirty thousand dollars and to imprisonment for ten years.[289]
United States (including all territories) Illegal Legal; not "obscene" Legal; fictional only The U.S. laws against child pornography are virtually always enforced and among the harshest in the world.[290] "Fictional child pornography" is legally protected as freedom of expression under the First Amendment, unless it is considered obscene.[Note 4]
Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary

Oceania

Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary
Australia (all states and territories) Illegal Illegal Illegal Acts such as possession, production and distribution of child pornography (real or fictional) are illegal in Australia, and can be punished by up to a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and/or a $275,000 fine.[294][295][296]
Federated States of Micronesia Illegal; in Pohnpei No data No data Only Pohnpei has a statute prohibiting child pornography. Both Chuuk and Pohnpei have provisions against filming explicit movies of underage children, but Yap and Kosrae have no such provisions.[297]
Fiji Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography is illegal in Fiji per Article 91 of the "Employment Relations Promulgation" (2007), and Article 62A of the "Juveniles Act".[298][299][300] This law includes the wording: "persons who look like juveniles whether they are or not".[298]
Kiribati Legally unclear Legally unclear Legally unclear The status of child pornography in Kiribati is unclear. A report by the United States Department of State conducted in 2020 explains that "(Kiribati's) penal code has no specific provision concerning child pornography". This however, contradicts an apparent amendment made in 2016 to their penal code.[301][302]
Marshall Islands Illegal; not defined No data Legal Child pornography is criminalized, but not defined in the Marshall Islands.[303] There is no mention of production, possession or dissemination of child pornography in the law.[304]
Nauru Illegal No data No data All forms of child pornography are illegal in Nauru.[305] It is unclear if this applies to unrealistic images or for possession.
New Zealand (including all territories) Illegal Illegal Illegal Browsing for, distributing, producing, and possessing child pornography are all illegal in New Zealand.[306]
Palau Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of child pornography are illegal in Palau. This law makes no exceptions for simple possession, photographs, films, videos, pictures, and computer-generated images or pictures.[307]
Papua New Guinea Illegal Illegal Illegal All forms of pornography (including websites) are illegal in Papua New Guinea. Child pornography is punishable by 5 to 15 years' imprisonment and/or a fine up to 2 million kina.[308]
Samoa Illegal Illegal Illegal Samoan law specifies a seven-year prison sentence for any person found guilty of possessing, publishing, distributing, or exhibiting indecent material featuring a child.[309][310]
Solomon Islands Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography is illegal in the Solomon Islands, and carries a maximum penalty of 10 years' imprisonment.[311][312]
Tonga Legal: film production only No data Illegal Child pornography and possession is illegal in Tonga with penalties of a maximum fine of TOP 100,000 ($43,000) or a maximum of 10 years in prison for individuals. Using children younger than 14 in the production of pornography is not criminalized.[313][314]
Tuvalu Legally unclear No data Illegal; adult pornography All forms of pornography are prohibited, and the penal code includes penalties for those who make, distribute, or possess obscene publications. However, Tuvaluan law does not specifically address child pornography.[315]
Vanuatu Illegal No data Illegal The maximum penalty in Vanuatu for publishing child pornography is five years' imprisonment, and for possession, two years' imprisonment.[316]
Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary

South America

Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary
Argentina Illegal Legally unclear Illegal Article 128 of the Argentine penal code prohibits the possession and distribution of child pornography with prison sentences between four months and one year for possession and three to six years for distribution.[317] Fictional child pornography is in a legal gray area as the law does not specifically mention it.[317][318]
Bolivia Illegal Legal Legal; Fictional only Child pornography is illegal, and is persecuted in Bolivia. Sentences are punishable by privation of freedom from 2 to 6 years.[319] Fictional child pornography and possession thereof remains legal.[320][269]
Brazil Illegal Legal Legal; Fictional only Production, distribution and possession of child pornography is illegal, and prosecuted in Brazil in accordance with its "Code of Minors".[321] Fictional child pornography and possession thereof remains legal.[322][323]
Chile Illegal Illegal Illegal Possession of child pornography real or faked, or any representation of their genitalia with the purpose of sexual gratification is illegal under Chilean law. Sentences are punishable from 541 days to 5 years imprisonment depending on the situation.[324]
Colombia Illegal Legal Legal; Fictional only Real child pornography is illegal and is prosecuted in Colombia.[325] The Supreme Court of Justice of Colombia ruled in 2018 that "artificial child pornography" is not a crime. This applies to non nude photographs, drawings, animation, and situations that do not involve actual abuse.[326]
Ecuador Illegal Illegal Illegal The possession, storing, fabrication or distribution of child pornography or any other kind of sexually explicit pedophile material is illegal under Ecuadorian law.[327]
Guyana Legal, restricted by regulations Legal Legal There are no laws in Guyana that specifically prohibit child pornography. The sale, publishing, or exhibiting of obscene material, defined as anything that could deprive or corrupt those open to immoral influences is instead subject to regulations.[328]
Paraguay Illegal Legal Legal; Fictional only Child pornography involving actual children is illegal in Paraguay.[329] Virtual forms were not included in the "Paraguayan Criminal Code" of 1997.[330]
Peru Illegal Legal Legal; Fictional only Child pornography is illegal in Peru under article 183-A of the penal code except for fictional material that does not depict a real child.[269][331]
Suriname Illegal No data Illegal Child pornography is prohibited in Suriname. Convictions carry a maximum penalty of six years' imprisonment and maximum fine of SRD 50,000 ($6,650).[332][333]
Uruguay Illegal Illegal Legal All forms of child pornography are illegal, but Uruguay does not prohibit simple possession.[269][334]
Venezuela Illegal Legal Legal Venezuela does not prohibit the simple possession of child pornography.[335] But sale and distribution of child pornography is illegal and punished by fines and/or imprisonment from 3 months to 4 years.[336] There are no laws that criminalize fictional forms.[269]
Country[Note 1] Real Fictional Possession Short summary

See also

Notes

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l This only includes sovereign states.
  2. ^ "Realistic representations of children includes "virtual child pornography".[224]
  3. ^ Electronic forms of child pornography are legal if "the publication of which is proved to be justified as being for the public good on the ground that such book, pamphlet, paper, writing drawing, painting representation or figure is the interest of science, literature, art or learning or other objects of general concern". The other exemption for this covers "bona fide heritage or religious purposes".[277]
  4. ^ The definition of "obscene" is determined by a sitting judge or jury, and prosecutions of this type are exceedingly rare.[291][292][293]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n "Child Sexual Abuse Material: Model Legislation & Global Review: 9th Edition" (PDF). International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. 2018.
  2. ^ a b "National legal frameworks protecting children from sexual exploitation online". ECPAT International. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  3. ^ "Child Sexual Abuse/Exploitation Material or Child Pornography" (PDF). ECPAT International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 April 2021. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
  4. ^ a b Akdeniz, Yaman (2008). Internet child pornography and the law: national and international responses. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd. p. 11. ISBN 978-0-7546-2297-0.
  5. ^ "Article 3, (1)(c)". Undemocracy.com. 25 May 2000. Archived from the original on 20 November 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  6. ^ "World Congress against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children". Csecworldcongress.org. 27 July 2002. Archived from the original on 16 March 2012. Retrieved 16 December 2012.
  7. ^ Levesque, Roger J. R. (1999). Sexual Abuse of Children: A Human Rights Perspective. Indiana University Press. pp. 1, 5–6, 176–180. The world community recently has recognized every child's fundamental human right to protection from sexual maltreatment. This right has been expressed in recent declarations, conventions, and programs of action. Indeed, the right to protection from sexual maltreatment is now entrenched so strongly in international human rights law that no country can relinquish its obligation.
  8. ^ "United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child". Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. 1989. Archived from the original on 11 June 2010. States Parties shall take all appropriate legislative, administrative, social and educational measures to protect the child from all forms of physical or mental violence, injury or abuse, neglect or negligent treatment, maltreatment or exploitation, including sexual abuse... States Parties undertake to protect the child from all forms of sexual exploitation and sexual abuse. For these purposes, States Parties shall in particular take all appropriate national, bilateral and multilateral measures to prevent: (a) The inducement or coercion of a child to engage in any unlawful sexual activity; (b) The exploitative use of children in prostitution or other unlawful sexual practices; (c) The exploitative use of children in pornographic performances and materials.
  9. ^ "Canada Court Quashes Child-Porn Law"[dead link], AP Online, 1999-06-30
  10. ^ Top B.C. court strikes down child-porn law Archived 9 February 2020 at the Wayback Machine, The National Post, 16 January 1999
  11. ^ "Judicial Activism in R. v. Sharpe: An Administration or Perversion of Justice?", Rev. Current L. & L. Reform, 2000, pp. 14
  12. ^ R. v. Sharpe Archived 30 April 2008 at the Wayback Machine (26 January 2001). 1 S.C.R. 45, 2001 SCC 2. Retrieved 20 February 2006.
  13. ^ "Federal judges argue for reduced sentences for child-porn convicts", The Denver Post, 29 November 2009
  14. ^ "Child porn laws kill, destroy lives(Judge Jack B. Weinstein)". 1 November 2010.
  15. ^ John Schwartz (2 February 2010), "Child Pornography, and an Issue of Restitution", New York Times
  16. ^ "U.S. v. BAXTER - No. 09-30364. - 20100901158 - Leagle.com". Leagle.
  17. ^ Nathan Thornburgh (21 May 2008), "Can the Libertarians Go Mainstream?", Time
  18. ^ McCain, Robert Stacy (23 May 2008), 0Fear and Loathing in Denver" Archived 4 September 2009 at the Wayback Machine, The American Spectator
  19. ^ a b "Global Legislative Review" (PDF). International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  20. ^ "Sexual Offenses Against Children" (PDF). International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. 2022. p. 11. Retrieved 22 December 2022.
  21. ^ "Out of the shadows: Shining light on the response to child sexual abuse and exploitation" (PDF). The Economist. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  22. ^ "Prohibition of the sale of children, child pornography and child prostitution and related matters (arts. 3, 4(2) and (3), 5 and 7)" (PDF). Supplementary report to the fifth to seventh periodic reports of Angola on the implementation of the Convention on the Rights of the Child regarding, “Sexual Exploitation of Children in Angola”. ECPAT International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 17 July 2018. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  23. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Botswana". United States Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  24. ^ "Chapter 08:06 Cybercrime and Computer Related Crimes" (PDF). Government of Botswana. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  25. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Burkina Faso". United States Department of State. Retrieved 16 March 2021.
  26. ^ "Alternative report on the implementation of the Optional Protocol on the sale of children, child prostitution and pornography: Burkina Faso" (PDF). ECPAT International. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  27. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Burundi" (PDF). United States Department of State. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  28. ^ "Burundi" (PDF). bi.usembassy.gov. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  29. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cameroon". United States Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  30. ^ a b c "The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Africa" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2014. p. 52. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  31. ^ "Sexual Exploitation of Children". 2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cabo Verde. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  32. ^ "2019 Human Rights Reports: Central African Republic" (PDF). United States Department of State. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  33. ^ "Comoros 2020 Human Rights Report" (PDF). United States Department of State. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  34. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Democratic Republic of the Congo". United States Department of State. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  35. ^ "Loi n° 06/018 du 20 juillet 2006 modifiant et complétant le Décret du 30 janvier 1940 portant Code pénal congolais". www.leganet.cd.
  36. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Djibouti". United States Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  37. ^ Carmen M. Cusack (2014). Pornography and The Criminal Justice System. CRC Press. p. 248. ISBN 9781482260021.
  38. ^ "Global Monitoring report on the status of action against commercial sexual exploitation of children: Egypt" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 6 July 2021. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  39. ^ "Equatorial Guinea 2019 Human Rights Report" (PDF). United States Department of State. p. 23. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  40. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Eritrea". United States Department of State. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  41. ^ "Making and Distributing Pornographic Materials and Other Recordings in Breach of Privacy" (PDF). The Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, 2018. Swaziland Government Gazette. p. S25-S30. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  42. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Eswatini". United States Department of State. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  43. ^ "Child pornography" (PDF). Article 19. p. 17. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  44. ^ "Ethiopia: Brief Summary" (PDF). The Economist. 2019.
  45. ^ "Gabon 2019 Human Rights Report" (PDF). U.S. Department of State. p. 14. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  46. ^ a b "Executive Summary: The Gambia" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2021. Retrieved 15 October 2021.
  47. ^ "Children's online safety concerns in Ghana: A position paper on legislative and policy gaps" (PDF). UNICEF. 2018. p. 13. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  48. ^ "Criminal Code Act 1974" (PDF). Government of Guinea. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  49. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Guinea". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  50. ^ "Guinea-Bissau" (PDF). United States Department of Labor. 2015. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  51. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Guinea-Bissau" (PDF). U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  52. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Côte d'Ivoire". United States Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  53. ^ "Traffic in obscene publications". Act Title: PENAL CODE. Government of the Republic of Kenya. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  54. ^ "Lesotho 2019 Human Rights Report" (PDF). U.S. Department of State. p. 15. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  55. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Liberia". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  56. ^ "Libya 2021 Human Rights Report". United States Department of State. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  57. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Madagascar". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  58. ^ "Child Pornography/Child Sexual Abuse Materials" (PDF). Global Monitoring status of action against commercial sexual exploitation of children. ECPAT International. 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 May 2021. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  59. ^ a b "Paragraph IV: Padophilia" (PDF). Penal Code Law No. 01-079 OF 20 August 2001. Official Gazette (Mali). 2002. p. 41.
  60. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mali". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  61. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mauritania". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  62. ^ "2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mauritius". U.S. Department of State. 2021. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  63. ^ "21. Child pornography" (PDF). The Children's Act 2020. Government Gazette of Mauritius. 2020. pp. 524–525.
  64. ^ "Moroccan film director charged with 'pornography'". Al Arabiya English. 25 June 2015. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  65. ^ Tatic, Sanja; Walker, Christopher (2006). Countries at the Crossroads: A Survey of Democratic Governance. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 365. ISBN 9780742558014.
  66. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mozambique". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  67. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Namibia". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  68. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Niger". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  69. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nigeria". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  70. ^ "Cybercime Prohibition Prevention Act". Retrieved 20 August 2021.
  71. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Rwanda". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  72. ^ "Organic law Instituting The Penal Code" (PDF). Government of Rwanda. 2012. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  73. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: São Tomé and Príncipe". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  74. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Senegal". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  75. ^ "Senegal". ECPAT Global Database. ECPAT International. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  76. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Seychelles" (PDF). United States Department of State. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  77. ^ "Display of or traffic in indecent material 152. (1)". Laws of Seychelles: The Penal Code. greybook.seylii.org. 2020. Archived from the original on 27 November 2020. Retrieved 14 May 2022.
  78. ^ "The Sexual Offences Act, 2012" (PDF). Sierra Leone Government Printing Department. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  79. ^ "Somalia" (PDF). United States Department of Labor. 2018. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  80. ^ "Judgement Delivered on 21 July 2017 Case No: A483/15" (PDF). Judiciary of South Africa. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  81. ^ "Films and Publications Amendment Bill of 2003 (104kb pdf file)" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 14 January 2006.
  82. ^ "The Penal Code Act of 2008" (PDF). Ministry Legal Affairs and Constitutional Development (South Sudan). Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  83. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Sudan". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  84. ^ "The Cybercrimes Act 2015" (PDF). Government of Tanzania. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  85. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Togo". Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  86. ^ "Tunisia 2020 Crime & Safety Report". Overseas Security Advisory Council. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  87. ^ "Uganda: ECPAT Country Overview" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2019. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  88. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Zambia". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  89. ^ "Executive Summary: Zambia" (PDF). ECPAT International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  90. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Zimbabwe". U.S. Department of State. Retrieved 30 March 2021.
  91. ^ Gambanga, Nigel (29 August 2016). "Here's Zimbabwe's Censorship Act, the law that makes viewing, making and sharing porn illegal". TechZIM.
  92. ^ "2021 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Afghanistan". United States Department of State. Retrieved 16 May 2022.
  93. ^ "Analysis of Azerbaijani Legislation on Freedom of Expression". Council of Europe. 2017. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  94. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Azerbaijan". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  95. ^ "Bahrain 2020 Human Rights Report". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  96. ^ "Freedom on the Net 2019: Bahrain". Freedom House. 2019. Retrieved 4 April 2021.
  97. ^ "Bangladesh". ECPAT Global Database. ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 29 March 2021.
  98. ^ "Lewd and lascivious conduct" (PDF). Penal Code of Bhutan. Government of Bhutan. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  99. ^ "2.1.1. Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Bhutan)". ECPAT Global Database. ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 7 June 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  100. ^ "Sale etc. of obscene articles" (PDF). Penal Code of Brunei. Government of Brunei. p. 120. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  101. ^ "Sexual Exploitation of Children in Cambodia Submission" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 19 March 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  102. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: China (Includes Hong Kong, Macau, and Tibet)". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  103. ^ Zhang, Laney (Foreign Law Specialist). "Children's Rights: China" (Archive). Library of Congress. August 2007. Last updated 16 March 2015. Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  104. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Cyprus". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  105. ^ "Central Government Act: Section 67 [B] in The Information Technology Act, 2000". Indian Kanoon. Retrieved 11 July 2018.
  106. ^ Swati Deshpande (16 February 2009). "Browsing child porn will land you in jail". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 3 January 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2009.
  107. ^ "2.1.1. Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Indonesia)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 2 May 2020. Retrieved 12 April 2024.
  108. ^ "Iran 2016 Human Rights Report" (PDF). United States Department of State. 2016. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  109. ^ "Immodest and shameful acts: Paragraph 403" (PDF). The Penal Code. Government of Iraq. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  110. ^ "Implementation Of The Optional Protocol To The Convention On The Rights Of The Child On The Sale Of Children, Child Prostitution And Child Pornography" (PDF). Ministry of Justice. State of israel. pp. 13–14. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  111. ^ "Act on Punishment of Activities Relating to Child Prostitution and Child Pornography, and the Protection of Children". Japaneselawtranslation.go.jp. 26 May 1999. Archived from the original on 21 February 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2013.
  112. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Japan". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  113. ^ "2.1.1. Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Japan)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  114. ^ "Sexual Exploitation of Children in Jordan Submission" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2018. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  115. ^ "Executive Summary: Kazakhstan" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2016. Retrieved 23 March 2021.[permanent dead link]
  116. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Kazakhstan". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  117. ^ Hassig, Ralph; Kongdan Oh (2015). The Hidden People of North Korea: Everyday Life in the Hermit Kingdom (2nd ed.). Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers. p. 106. ISBN 978-1-4422-3719-3.
  118. ^ Child Pornography: Model Legislation & Global Review (PDF) (8th ed.). International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. 2016. p. 34. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 December 2016. Retrieved 8 December 2016.
  119. ^ Oh Ye-jin (20 May 2020). 아동 성착취물 소개하거나 보기만 해도 처벌…형량도 강화. YNA (in Korean).
  120. ^ "Act on the protection of children and youth against sex offenses". Ministry of Justice, Republic of Korea. 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  121. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Kuwait". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  122. ^ a b "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Kyrgyz Republic". United States Department of State. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  123. ^ "Protection" (PDF). Executive Summary: Kyrgyzstan. ECPAT International. 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  124. ^ "Executive Summary: Laos" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on 7 August 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  125. ^ "Lebanon" (PDF). Bureau of International Labor Affairs. 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  126. ^ "Penalty in Article 586 (4)". BAU Journal - Creative Sustainable Development. 2019. p. 6. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  127. ^ "Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 (Act 792); As at 11 July 2023" (PDF).
  128. ^ "Section 617 – Criticizing Islam (Penal Code)". Law No 6/2014. Government of Maldives. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  129. ^ "2.1.1. Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Maldives)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  130. ^ "Executive Summary: Mongolia" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2016. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 April 2020. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  131. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Burma". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  132. ^ "Legal framework" (PDF). www.ohchr.org. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  133. ^ "2.1.1. Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Nepal)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  134. ^ "Foreign travel advice: Oman". gov.uk. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  135. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Pakistan". United States Department of State. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  136. ^ "2.1.1. Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Pakistan)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  137. ^ "Republic Act No. 9775, "Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009"". Official Gazette of the Philippine Government. 13 October 2009.
  138. ^ "2.1.1. Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Philippines)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 13 May 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  139. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Qatar". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  140. ^ "Out of the Shadows: Saudi Arabia" (PDF). The Economist. 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  141. ^ "Undesirable Publications Act". Singapore Statutes Online. 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  142. ^ "Films Act". Singapore Statutes Online. 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  143. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Singapore". United States Department of State. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  144. ^ "Asia-Pacific Financial Coalition Against Child Pornography". The International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children. Archived from the original on 13 March 2016. Retrieved 13 March 2016.
  145. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Sri Lanka". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  146. ^ a b "National provisions defining "child pornography" (Sri Lanka)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  147. ^ "Syria 2019 Human Rights Report" (PDF). United States Department of State. p. 60. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  148. ^ 兒童及少年性剝削防制條例-全國法規資料庫 (in Chinese). Ministry of Justice of the Republic of China. Retrieved 7 July 2020.
  149. ^ "二次元創作(虛擬產物、圖畫)受兒少性剝削條例規範限制的適切性- 提點子 -公共政策網路參與平臺". join.gov.tw (in Traditional Chinese). Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  150. ^ a b "Convention on the Rights of the Child". United Nations. 2017. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  151. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Tajikistan". United States Department of State. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  152. ^ "Criminal Code Amending Act (24th) B.E. 2558" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 10 April 2016. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  153. ^ Tangsathanporn, Poramet (17 February 2021). "Turning to porn to survive". Bangkok Post.
  154. ^ "National provisions defining "child pornography" (Thailand)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  155. ^ "Article 176. Child pornography" (PDF). PENAL CODE of the Democratic Republic of Timor Leste. Democratic Republic of Timor Leste. p. 51. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  156. ^ "Mevzuat Bilgi Sistemi" [Turkish Penal Code]. mevzuat.gov.tr (in Turkish). Retrieved 18 January 2023.
  157. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Turkmenistan". United States Department of State. p. 60. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  158. ^ "Freedom of Expression on the Internet" (PDF). Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe The Office of the Representative on Freedom of the Media. 2010. p. 16. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  159. ^ "Digital Laws". Digital Well-Being. Archived from the original on 13 September 2021. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  160. ^ "D. Freedom of Expression and Belief: 4 / 16". United Arab Emirates. Freedom House. 2016. Archived from the original on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  161. ^ "Uzbekistan" (PDF). Bureau of International Labor Affairs. 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  162. ^ a b "National provisions defining "child pornography" (Vietnam)". ECPAT International. 2021. Archived from the original on 1 March 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  163. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Vietnam". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  164. ^ "Yemen" (PDF). Bureau of International Labor Affairs. 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2021.
  165. ^ "Yemen, Republic of". Law.emory.edu. Archived from the original on 12 February 2013. Retrieved 18 February 2013.
  166. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Albania". United States Department of State. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  167. ^ "Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Albania)". ECPAT International. 2021. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  168. ^ "2022 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Andorra". United States Department of State. Retrieved 9 December 2023.
  169. ^ "Article 155 Utilisation de mineurs et incapables pour la pornographie". Nouveau Code Penal (in French). Principality of Andorra. 2005. p. 72. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  170. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Armenia". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  171. ^ a b "Pornographische Darstellungen Minderjähriger" (in German). Federal Ministry for Digital and Economic Affairs. 2017. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  172. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Austria". United States Department of State. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  173. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Belarus". United States Department of State. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  174. ^ "Executive Summary: Belarus" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2016. p. 20. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 July 2020. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  175. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Belgium". United States Department of State. Retrieved 5 April 2021.
  176. ^ "Belgian Law Regarding Child Pornography".[better source needed]
  177. ^ "Bosnia and Herzegovina" (PDF). Bureau of International Labor Affairs. 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  178. ^ "ECPAT Country Overview: Bosnia and Herzegovina" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2018. p. 16. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  179. ^ a b "The practical implementation and operation of European policies on prevention and combating Cybercrime". Council of the European Union. 2016. pp. 34–35.
  180. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Bulgaria". United States Department of State. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  181. ^ "Executive Summary: Bulgaria" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2016. p. 4. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  182. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Croatia". United States Department of State. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  183. ^ a b "Exploitation of Children for Pornography Article 163" (PDF). Croatian Criminal Code. Government of Croatia. 2011. Archived from the original (PDF) on 15 January 2021. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  184. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Czech Republic". United States Department of State. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  185. ^ "Straffeloven – Bekendtgørelse af straffeloven – retsinformation.dk" (in Danish). Ministry of Justice (Denmark). 2019. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  186. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Denmark". United States Department of State. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  187. ^ "Report: cartoon paedophilia harmless". CPH Post. 23 July 2012. Archived from the original on 18 January 2014. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  188. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Estonia". United States Department of State. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  189. ^ Andres Einmann (20 October 2017). "Kaur Kender won the final victory in the accusation of creating child pornography". Postimees (in Estonian). Archived from the original on 23 October 2017. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  190. ^ a b "Chapter 17, sections 18 and 19" (PDF). The Criminal Code of Finland. Ministry of Justice (Finland). Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  191. ^ a b "Child Pornography (France)". Library of Congress Law. Ministry of Justice (France). 2020. Archived from the original on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  192. ^ "Fransa'dan Çocuk Pornosu ve Terörizme Dijital Sansür". bilgicagi.com (in Turkish). 9 February 2015. Archived from the original on 18 February 2015. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  193. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Georgia". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  194. ^ a b "184b Verbreitung, Erwerb und Besitz kinderpornographischer Inhalte" [Section 184b Distribution, acquisition and possession of child pornographic content]. Criminal Code of Germany (in German). Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection. 2021. Retrieved 23 August 2021.
  195. ^ "Sexual Exploitation of Children (Greece)". Library of Congress Law. Ministry of Justice (Greece). 2020. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  196. ^ "Child Pornography: Section 204" (PDF). Act C of 2012 on the Criminal Code. Government of Hungary. p. 70. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  197. ^ "HUNGARY / HONGRIE State replies / Réponses de l'Etat". Lanzorote Committee. 2019. p. 33.
  198. ^ "Online child sexual exploitation (OCSE)" (PDF). ECPAT Country Review: Hungary. ECPAT International. 2021. p. 21.
  199. ^ "Magyarország hivatalos lapja" (PDF). Magyar Közlöny (in Hungarian). 2021. p. 4950.
  200. ^ "Almenn hegningarlög" [General Penal Code (Iceland)] (in Icelandic). Althing. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  201. ^ "Criminal Law (Sexual Offences) Act 2017". Irish Statute Book. Office of the Attorney General. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  202. ^ Conor Gallagher. "'Virtual' child abuse imagery a headache for gardaí". The Irish Times. Retrieved 6 March 2021.
  203. ^ "Executive Summary: Italy" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2019. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  204. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Italy". United States Department of State. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  205. ^ "Global Monitoring status of action against sexual exploitation of children" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2017. p. 54. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 April 2020. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  206. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Liechtenstein". United States Department of State. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  207. ^ "LIECHTENSTEIN State replies / Réponses de l'Etat". Lanzorote Committee. 2019. p. 38.
  208. ^ "Criminal Code of the Republic of Lithuania". Seimas. 2015. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  209. ^ "NGO Report on the implementation of the Optional Protocol (Luxembourg)" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2015. p. 13. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  210. ^ "Sexual Exploitation of Children in Luxembourg" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2018. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  211. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Malta". United States Department of State. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  212. ^ "Chapter 9: Criminal Code" (PDF). Criminal Code of Malta. 2015. p. 91. Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 May 2022. Retrieved 26 February 2022.
  213. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Moldova". United States Department of State. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  214. ^ "Articolul 208-1 Codul penal al Republicii Moldova* în Republica Moldova. Pornografia infantilă". lege.md. Retrieved 20 March 2024.
  215. ^ "Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women". United Nations. 2016. pp. 18–19. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  216. ^ "Displaying Pornographic Material to Children and Production and Possession of Child Pornography: Article 211" (PDF). Criminal Code of Montenegro. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  217. ^ a b "Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Montenegro)". ECPAT International. 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2021.
  218. ^ "Prohibition on access to child pornography". Government of the Netherlands. 30 April 2014. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  219. ^ "1.4.1.1 The nature of the material" (PDF). Child Pornography: First report of the Dutch National Rapporteur. Bureau of the Dutch National Rapporteur. 2011. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  220. ^ a b "Criminal Code of the Republic of North Macedonia" (PDF). United Nations. Government of North Macedonia. 2017. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  221. ^ "Section 311.Depiction of sexual abuse of children or depiction which sexualises children". The Penal Code Part II. Criminal acts Chapter 26. Sexual offences. Lovdata. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  222. ^ a b "Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Poland)". ECPAT International. 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  223. ^ "Criminalisation of virtual "child pornography" in domestic law (Portugal)". ECPAT International. 2021. Retrieved 7 April 2021.
  224. ^ "Sexual Exploitation of Children in Portugal" (PDF). CIAF Portugal and ECPAT International. 2019. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  225. ^ "EXECUTIVE SUMMARY" (PDF). August 2021.
  226. ^ "COD PENAL (A) 01/04/2018 - Portal Legislativ". legislatie.just.ro. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  227. ^ "Art. 374 - Child Pornography" (PDF). Romania: National Child Protection Legislation. International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. 2018. pp. 9–10. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  228. ^ "Romania 2nd Edition" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2016. p. 34. Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 April 2020. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  229. ^ "УК РФ Статья 242.1. Изготовление и оборот материалов или предметов с порнографическими изображениями несовершеннолетних \ КонсультантПлюс". www.consultant.ru. Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  230. ^ a b "Russia: Where keeping child porn is legal". CNN. 2011. Archived from the original on 10 June 2011. Retrieved 6 January 2024.
  231. ^ "Sexual Exploitation of Children in the Russian Federation" (PDF). Russian Alliance against CSEC & ECPAT International. 2018. p. 7. Archived from the original (PDF) on 24 April 2021. Retrieved 8 April 2021.
  232. ^ "Lanzarote Convention". Council of Europe. 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  233. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: San Marino". United States Department of State. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  234. ^ "Krivični zakonik". www.paragraf.rs (in Serbian). Retrieved 25 August 2024.
  235. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Serbia". United States Department of State. Retrieved 31 March 2021.
  236. ^ "Act 300/2005 Coll. of 20 May 2005 Criminal Code" (PDF). www.legislationline.org. National Council of the Slovak Republic. 2006. pp. 187–188. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  237. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Slovakia". United States Department of State. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  238. ^ "204/2013 Z.z. - Zákon, ktorým sa mení a dopĺňa záko..." Slov-lex (in Slovak). Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  239. ^ a b "Presentation, Manufacture, Possession and Distribution of Pornographic Material Article 176" (PDF). Criminal Code (KZ-1). Government of Slovenia. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  240. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Slovenia". United States Department of State. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  241. ^ "Artículo 189". Ley Orgánica 10/1995, de 23 de noviembre, del Código Penal. (in Spanish). Jefatura del Estado. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  242. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Spain". United States Department of State. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  243. ^ "Los fiscales no perseguirán cómics ni manga de pornografía infantil" (in Spanish). MANUEL MARRACO. 21 June 2015. Retrieved 19 February 2018.
  244. ^ "Brottsbalk (1962:700)". Ministry of Justice (Sweden) (in Swedish). Riksdag. 2021. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  245. ^ "Manga images 'not child porn': Supreme Court". www.thelocal.se. 15 June 2012.
  246. ^ "'Sweden's manga-child porn case is reminiscent of the Eastern bloc'". www.thelocal.se. 2 July 2012.
  247. ^ "Pornography: Art. 197". Fedlex. Federal Assembly (Switzerland). 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  248. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Switzerland". United States Department of State. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  249. ^ "Fokus Sexuelle Übergriffe". Swiss crime prevention (in German). Retrieved 4 February 2022.
  250. ^ "Official Translation (CRIMINAL CODE OF UKRAINE)" (PDF). Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  251. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Ukraine". United States Department of State. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  252. ^ "Executive Summary: Ukraine" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2016. p. 3. Archived from the original (PDF) on 12 January 2020. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  253. ^ "The Coroners and Justice Act 2009 (Commencement No. 4, Transitional and Saving Provisions) Order 2010" (PDF). legislation.gov.uk. The Stationery Office. 2010. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  254. ^ Gareth Lightfoot (20 October 2014). "Fan of Japanese anime makes British legal history after conviction for having pictures of cartoon children". Daily Mirror. Archived from the original on 21 October 2014. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  255. ^ "Photographs and Pseudo-photographs". Crown Prosecution Service. Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  256. ^ "Pope criminalizes leaks, sex abuse in first laws". USA Today. 11 July 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2021.
  257. ^ "2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Antigua and Barbuda". United States Department of State. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  258. ^ "Sexual offenses 16A" (PDF). Statute Law of the Bahamas. Retrieved 27 March 2021.[permanent dead link]
  259. ^ "Barbados" (PDF). United States Department of Labor. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  260. ^ "Child pornography 13.(1)". Barbados Chapter 124B. Parliament of Barbados. 2005.
  261. ^ "Protection of Children". Barbados Chapter 146A. Parliament of Barbados. 1990.
  262. ^ "COMMERCIAL SEXUAL EXPLOITATION OF CHILDREN (PROHIBITION) ACT CHAPTER 108:02" (PDF). agm.gov.bz. The Attorney General's Ministry of Belize. Retrieved 10 May 2023.
  263. ^ Government of Canada, Public Services and Procurement Canada (1 July 2002). "An Act to amend the Criminal Code and the Customs Tariff (child pornography and corrupting morals.): YX4-1993/46 - Government of Canada Publications - Canada.ca". publications.gc.ca. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  264. ^ "R. v. Beattie (April 8, 2005)". www.ontariocourts.ca. Ontario Courts. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
  265. ^ Canadian Arrested for Importing Loli-porn Manga (4 March 2005, Anime News Network). Retrieved 23 June 2008.
  266. ^ R v Sharpe (Supreme Court of British Columbia 13 January 1999) ("As s-s.(4) is in violation of s.2(b) of the Charter and is not justified under s.1, s-s.(4) must be and is declared void."), Text.
  267. ^ R v Sharpe (Supreme Court of Canada 26 January 2001) ("The reach of the proscription is further broadened by extending it to the depiction of both real and imaginary persons."), Text.
  268. ^ R v Sharpe (Supreme Court of Canada 26 January 2001) ("...materials that advocate or counsel sexual offences with children may qualify"), Text.
  269. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l "Content-related offences". United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  270. ^ L. Arias (29 October 2013). "Costa Rica toughens legislation on child pornography". Tico Times. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  271. ^ Código Penal
  272. ^ "Cuba 2018 Human Rights Report". United States Embassy in Cuba. 13 March 2019. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  273. ^ "Child Labor and Forced Labor Reports: Dominica". Bureau of International Labor Affairs. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  274. ^ "Dominican Republic: Executive Summary" (PDF). www.state.gov. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  275. ^ "2.2.1. Mere possession of "child pornography"". ECPAT International. Retrieved 27 March 2021.[permanent dead link]
  276. ^ "El Salvador" (PDF). United States Department of Labor. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  277. ^ a b "Electronic Crimes Bill 2013" (PDF). nowgrenada.com. pp. 12–13. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  278. ^ "Submission 30 March 2017 for the Universal Periodic Review of the human rights situation in Guatemala" (PDF). ECPAT International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  279. ^ "Children's Legal Rights in Haiti" (PDF). International Human Rights Program University of Toronto Faculty of Law. p. 18. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  280. ^ "Ministère des Affaires Sociales et du Travail La Direction Générale" (PDF). Republic of Haiti. p. 8. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  281. ^ "10. Child pornography". Convention on the Rights of the Child. United Nations. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  282. ^ "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices". U.S. Department of State.
  283. ^ "2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Mexico". United States Department of State. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  284. ^ "Federal Criminal Code Book Second Title Eight - Crimes against the Free Development of Personality Chapter II - Pornography of Persons under Eighteen Years of Age or of Persons who do not have the Capacity to Understand the Meaning of the Fact or of Persons who do not have the Capacity to Resist it". mexico.justia.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2021. Retrieved 14 March 2021.
  285. ^ "Nicaragua 2019 Human Rights Report" (PDF). www.state.gov. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  286. ^ "ECPAT Country Overview: Panama" (PDF). ECPAT International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2021.
  287. ^ "Criminal Code" (PDF). www.policinglaw.info. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  288. ^ "2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Saint Lucia". United States Department of State. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  289. ^ "Table 3: Legislation in T&T related to Child Pornography" (PDF). Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago. p. 17. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 27 March 2021.
  290. ^ "Sex Offenses Against Children: Findings and Recommendations Regarding Federal Penalties (as directed in the Sex Crimes Against Children Prevention Act of 1995, Section 6, Public Law 104-71)". United States Sentencing Commission. June 1996. p. 9. Archived from the original on 26 May 2009.
  291. ^ "Remarks of Arnold I Burns Before the Florida Law Enforcement Committee on Obscenity, Organized Crime and Child Pornography". NCJ 109133. National Institute of Justice. 3 December 1987.
  292. ^ Newitz, Annalee (28 May 2009). "Manga Collection Ruled "Child Pornography" By US Court". Gizmodo. Archived from the original on 21 October 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2015.
  293. ^ Samenow, Charles P. (9 April 2012). "Child Pornography and the Law: A Clinician's Guide". Sexual Addiction & Compulsivity. 19 (1–2): 16–29. doi:10.1080/10720162.2012.660432. ISSN 1072-0162. S2CID 144573932. Retrieved 26 March 2021.
  294. ^ AFP (17 July 2007). "Queensland man charged over SMS child pornography". Archived from the original on 29 July 2008. Retrieved 22 November 2009.
  295. ^ "Simpsons cartoon rip-off is child porn: judge". The Age. 8 December 2008. Retrieved 18 November 2009. A NSW Supreme Court judge has ruled an internet cartoon in which lookalike child characters from The Simpsons engage in sexual acts is child pornography.
  296. ^ Matt Smith (11 August 2011). "Child porn finding revoked". The Mercury. Archived from the original on 8 October 2012. Retrieved 11 August 2011.
  297. ^ "Micronesia 2018 Human Rights Report" (PDF). United States Department of State. p. 9. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  298. ^ a b "ECPAT Country Overview: Fiji" (PDF). ECPAT International. 2019. p. 20.
  299. ^ "Fiji 2020 Human Rights Report". United States Department of Justice. p. 17. Archived from the original on 25 October 2021. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  300. ^ "UNICEF and UN Human Rights welcome Fiji's commitment to combatting child exploitation". UNICEF. 19 March 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  301. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Kiribati". United States Department of State. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  302. ^ "Kiribati Sessional Legislation". Republic of Kiribati. 2017. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  303. ^ "2018 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Marshall Islands". United States Department of State. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  304. ^ "Child Protection Baseline Report Republic of Marshall Islands" (PDF). UNICEF. p. 49. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  305. ^ "Republic of Nauru Crimes Act 2016" (PDF). Government of Nauru. Archived from the original (PDF) on 29 November 2020. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  306. ^ "Executive Summary: New Zealand" (PDF). ECPAT International. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  307. ^ "Chapter 18: Child Exploitation". Penal Code of the Republic of Palau, RPPL No. 9-21 2013. Republic of Palau. 2013. Retrieved 14 November 2021.
  308. ^ "Country Reports on Human Rights Practices". U.S. Department of State.
  309. ^ "Samoa 2018 Human Rights Report" (PDF). United States Department of State. p. 10. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  310. ^ "Samoa Crimes Act of 2013" (PDF). Ministry of Police. pp. 37–40. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  311. ^ "Solomon Islands 2018 Human Rights Report" (PDF). United States Department of State. p. 11. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  312. ^ "Solomon Islands" (PDF). United States Department of Labor. 2015. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  313. ^ "2019 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Tonga". United States Department of State. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  314. ^ "Criminalization of conducts BEYOND the OPSC (1/2)" (PDF). www.itu.int. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  315. ^ "Tuvalu" (PDF). United States Department of Labor. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  316. ^ "Vanuatu 2018 Human Rights Report". United States Department of State. p. 11. Archived from the original on 6 May 2021. Retrieved 28 March 2021.
  317. ^ a b "CODIGO PENAL DE LA NACION ARGENTINA". servicios.infoleg.gob.ar.
  318. ^ "Child pornography ... drawn, is it a crime?". www.saberderecho.com. 23 April 2007. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  319. ^ "Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Bolivia" (PDF). www.iin.oea.org. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  320. ^ "Article 9 – Offences related to child pornography". Council of Europe. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  321. ^ "Code of Minors of Brazil (Article 244-A)" (in Portuguese). Civil House for Legal Affairs. Retrieved 29 May 2021.
  322. ^ Hypeness, Redação (8 November 2017). "Capa do Nirvana é utilizada pelo Ministério Público para esclarecer o que é pedofilia". Hypeness (in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived from the original on 19 February 2020. Retrieved 19 February 2020.
  323. ^ http://pfdc.pgr.mpf.mp.br/temas-de-atuacao/direitos-sexuais-e-reprodutivos/nota-tecnica-liberdade-artistica-e-protecao-de-criancas-e-adolescentes Technical Letter by Attorney of the Republic of the Federal Public Ministry
  324. ^ Nacional, Biblioteca del Congreso. "Biblioteca del Congreso Nacional | Ley Chile". www.bcn.cl/leychile. Retrieved 2 February 2021.
  325. ^ "ormatividad sobre delitos relacionados con contenidos de explotación sexual infantil". www.policia.gov.co. 25 July 2017. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  326. ^ "In Colombia, technical and artificial child pornography is not a crime". Caracol. 12 March 2018. Retrieved 10 March 2021.
  327. ^ "Vacío legal para delitos en internet". Archived from the original on 4 January 2014.
  328. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Guyana". www.state.gov. Retrieved 25 October 2021.
  329. ^ "LEY Nº 3.440/08" (PDF). Government of Paraguay. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  330. ^ "Law Enforcement in Argentina and Paraguay" (PDF). International Labour Organization. 2005. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 May 2021. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  331. ^ "Peru" (PDF). International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  332. ^ "2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Suriname". www.state.gov. Retrieved 21 March 2021.
  333. ^ "Child Pornography/Child Abuse Images" (PDF). ECPAT International. Retrieved 25 October 2021.[permanent dead link]
  334. ^ "In this article about Japan says that some countries (including Uruguay) still didn't ban the possession of child pornography".
  335. ^ "In this article about Japan says that some countries (including Venezuela) still didn't ban the possession of child pornography".
  336. ^ Refugees, United Nations High Commissioner for. "Refworld | 2008 Findings on the Worst Forms of Child Labor - Venezuela". Refworld. Retrieved 4 November 2019.