Child pornography is not only 'crime scene photographs' of child sexual abuse and exploitation but also a possible criminal tool for future abuse and exploitation of other children. Child pornography is considered 'illegal' in many countries so there is no need to single it out as special illegal content on the Internet. The police should not make any distinction as to whether the offence is committed in Oxford Street or on the Internet. In regard to the latter, hotlines and monitoring should be encouraged, and Police forces should take action if a content provider refuses to remove the illegal materials. Although the UK police have been successful with 'Operation Starburst' to identify an international paedophile ring, substantial collaboration at an international level is needed between various national police forces.
All nations have an important part to play in the fight against child pornography.
This can be achieved, as suggested by the European Commission, initially at the EU level.