Internet watchdog to tackle child pornography
The fight against child pornography is to be stepped up with a new Government watchdog on internet safety, it was announced today.
An executive office charged with combating online crime and a telephone hotline to report illegal activity will form the main plank of the offensive.
Minister for Justice Brian Lenihan said the measures were needed to catch up with the rapidly advancing technologies used by the darker side of the internet.
“Those who misuse the internet are highly sophisticated and technically astute, and we must continually and pro-actively examine the effectiveness of our defences,” he said.
“I am particularly concerned about the need to protect our children from the pernicious activities of those who would use the internet to target them for sexual exploitation.”
The Office for Internet Safety will be part of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and will monitor compliance with internet regulations.
It will also have responsibility for driving safety campaigns and raising awareness about dealing with the dangers of the world wide web.
The office will work alongside a newly established Internet Safety Advisory Council which will supersede the Internet Advisory Board.
“The establishment of a dedicated Office for Internet Safety is an important step in the process of building the best possible protection for the community at large and in particular for children from the downside of the internet,” said Mr Lenihan.
“Concern remains high about the appropriateness of certain material which is easily accessible on the internet, with particular concern about child pornography and the use of ’grooming’ to target children.
“It is incumbent on all involved in promoting the exciting resource which is the internet to ensure the best possible protection for the community and to reduce the risk of internet crime, particularly that involving the exploitation of children, in all situations,” he said.
