Possession of pornography
Pornography, in general, has been legally defined as the visual and auditory display of sexual activity intended solely to excite sexually with no redeeming social or artistic value.
Under federal law, possessing child pornography and trading such pornography with others carries a minimum federal prison sentence of five years.
State laws vary significantly from federal law, with some jurisdictions depending on the aggravating factors, resulting in a minimum prison sentence of ten years to life.
Prosecution of child pornography cases spiked in 2020 in major states nationwide. In 2019, it was reported that over 40 million photos and videos of child sexual abuse were found online, according to the New York Times.
To report child pornography, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: or call 1-800-843-5678
