Child pornography is legally defined as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct where the production of such visual depiction involves the use of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. Despite the recent concerns of policy-makers, the problem of child sexual exploitation has a long history. Persons sexually attracted to children are generally described as pedophiles and are considered to be suffering from a serious mental health disorder. A distinction may be made between pedophiles (adults sexually attracted primarily to children) and child molesters (adults who act on this attraction as well as other adults who sexually abuse children for more opportunistic reasons). Many law enforcement officials appear to believe there is a reasonably stable connection between being a child molester and collecting child pornography. Sources of child pornography include the production of materials by pedophiles for themselves and professional publishers or large-scale producers of child pornography. Effects of child pornography on victims are categorized as follows: (1) sexually exploited children are not able to develop healthy affectionate relationships in later life, have sexual dysfunction, and have a tendency to become sexual abusers as adults; (2) child pornography is often used by pedophiles and child sexual abusers to stimulate and wet their own sexual appetites and as a model for sexual acting out with children; and (3) exposure to child pornography can desensitize the viewer to the pathology of sexual abuse of children so that it can become acceptable to and even preferred by the viewer. The Protection of Children Against Sexual Exploitation Act of 1977 and the Child Pornography Prevention Act of 1996 represent the most important pieces of legislation concerning child pornography. The problem of child pornography on the Internet is discussed. 123 references