Virtual Child Porn: The Law and the Semiotics of the Image

Abstract

A Supreme Court decision on virtual child pornography dramatizes new issues for understanding pornography, images of children and image technology. Contested understandings of childhood change the cultural and legal fields as conservative forces push for expanded definitions of childhood and increasing restrictions on children, while capitalist marketing sexualizes consumption practices. Increasing protection of children expands the scope of pedophilic discourse, while attention to image material diverts concern for, and resources from, actual child abuse incidents.