The article comments on the criminal legislation of Russia, which provides for liability for the illegal production and trafficking of pornographic materials or objects and the practice of its application. Recently, illegal production and trafficking of pornographic materials and objects (Obscene Publications), as a type of criminal activity, have acquired a qualitatively new look. It can be explained by the trend towards an annual increase in registered IT crimes (committed using information and telecommunications networks (including Internet)). The use of such means significantly complicates law enforcement, primarily in connection with the criminal legal assessment and qualification of such acts. In article there are analyzes the objective features (actus reus) of the corpus delicti that determines the basis of criminal liability for the illegal production and trafficking of pornographic materials or objects. One of the problematic situations, according to the authors, is considered, related to the practice of applying Article 242 of the Criminal Code of the Russian Federation. The authors' conclusions are based on the analysis of the provisions of the current criminal legislation of the Russian Federation and the practice of its application. The rules of international treaties were considered, as well as the practice of applying the rules of civil and administrative law, including those related to the concepts of “publicity” and “indefinite range of persons”, were considered.