A criminological overview of paedophilic activities on the Internet

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to focus on the emergence, as well as the nature, extent and complexity of paedophilic activities on the Internet. The necessity for scientific research designed to curb Internet paedophilia in South Africa is discussed and an overview is provided of contentious concerns arising from the use of the Internet, such as children gaining access to adult pornography, children being portrayed in child pornography, as well as the risk of children being approached by paedophiles via the Internet.