Expert: Michael Troy - 10/19/2007

Question
QUESTION: Hello:

What is regarded as an illegal Internet adult site?

I have seen a site with young girls not yet 18 years old fully clothed but posing in an erotic manner.

Is this type of a site illegal if the young girls are wearing either a bathing suit, bra and panties, or street clothing even though they are trying to create lustful thoughts from male viewers?

I thank you for any helpful reply that you may send to me.

ANSWER: Hello,

This web site discusses the definition of federal law regarding child pornography:

http://www.adultweblaw.com/laws/childporn.htm

In particular, the case discusses a US supreme Court case called "US v. Knox" which interprets the law to mean that children do not necessarily have to be naked for a photo to meet the definition of child pornography.

I hope this helps!
- Mike



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello:

I want to thank you for your reply and the web site information.
If this request is not too uncomfortable for you, can you view the following web site an determine whether or not it is a child pornography site or a child modeling site? The URL is http://teeny-list.com.  

I thank you for your help and assistance.

Answer
Hi again,

I took a quick look at the home page.  The images seemed rather disturbing to me, but one of the problems with these sorts of cases is that the determination is fairly subjective.

If the site concerns you enough, you can choose to report the site to the FBI.  They will look at the site and make a determination as to whether to pursue a criminal investigation.  You can view the FBI web site for child pornography issues here:

http://www.fbi.gov/innocent.htm

There is a link on the page to provide tips toward criminal investigations.

- Mike