Caught in the net

The internet has led to a massive market in child abuse that the authorities are struggling to stem, while few child victims are able to be helped. Simon Vevers reports The internet has transformed our lives. Adults - and children - have previously unimagined access to knowledge, culture and conversation with people all over the world. Yet the online revolution has a darker side. It has given paedophiles a window to groom potential victims and a forum to market child abuse images, on an ever-increasing scale and of ever younger children.