Netflix Reportedly Under Investigation For Streaming Child Pornography

A disturbing clip from an Argentinian movie that purports to show two young girls engaged in sexual activity has caught the attention of PJ Media, which reported it to the FBI and Department of Justice, along with the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In response to the tip, the DOJ has reportedly launched an investigation.

The scene is from a movie titled “Desearas” – or “Desire,” in English. In it, two young girls who look to be about seven and nine are playing with two pillows when the older girl begins to masturbate, as the younger one watches. The scene includes a disturbing closeup of the child’s face in slow motion. The film was directed by Diego Kaplan.

PJ Media advises anybody thinking about sharing the clip to abstain: Sharing child pornography – even if you’re trying to “raise awareness” or get help for the victims – is considered distribution and could carry heavy legal penalties.

Child pornography is clearly defined by the Department of Justice in Section 2256, Title 18 of the US Code:

Section 2256 of Title 18, United States Code, defines child pornography as any visual depiction of sexually explicit conduct involving a minor (someone under 18 years of age).  Visual depictions include photographs, videos, digital or computer generated images indistinguishable from an actual minor, and images created, adapted, or modified, but appear to depict an identifiable, actual minor.  Undeveloped film, undeveloped videotape, and electronically stored data that can be converted into a visual image of child pornography are also deemed illegal visual depictions under federal law.

Notably, the legal definition of sexually explicit conduct does not require that an image depict a child engaging in sexual activity.  A picture of a naked child may constitute illegal child pornography if it is sufficiently sexually suggestive.  Additionally, the age of consent for sexual activity in a given state is irrelevant; any depiction of a minor under 18 years of age engaging in sexually explicit conduct is illegal.

Here’s a link to the movie’s IMBD page.