The biggest thing that you can do is complain. Complain to the Internet Service Providers that there are sites that
either encourage any sexual activity between an adult and child or ones that carries pictures of naked children. One
of the best kept secrets of the internet is that fact that many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) make a consciuos choice
in whether they carry or not some of the worst pornography, namely child pornography, on their computers.
ISPs make the arguement that they are just like telephone companies when they provide customers access to trunk line, which
are the backbones of the internet, to reach websites that are in other cities, countries, or states. A key point in their
arguement is the fact that each individual website is a resident on only one computer that is then visited on-line by
others. They argue that they cannot be liable for everything that passes through their service.
Most pornographic materials on the internet are found on commercial websites. The most deviant images, however, such as
bestiality, child pornography, or other paraphilias are often found on the non-commercial Usenet newsgroups. Newsgroups
are replicated and become resident on the server computer of each ISP that offers newsgroup access. Just as in the case
of a news stand that chooses which magazines it wants to display and sell, ISPs must make a conscious decision on which
newsgroups they will carry and whether their software automatically updates the material or not.
Different ISPs make different decisions on which newsgroups to carry. Some do make the right decision not to carry such
newsgroups that have contents clearly marked with names such as alt.binaries.pictures.erotic.pre-teen or alt.sex.bestiality. These are responsible decisions and are legally protected under the "Good Samaritan: provisions of the Communications Decency Act.
However, many ISPs still carry all newsgroups on their servers including the ones that are obviously illegal. This is
really startling when given the fact that the possession of child pornography is illegal in most U.S. juridictions.
Another reason why this is dissapointing is the fact that there was an announcement by Vice President Al Gore that ISP
trade associations that represent 95% of all internet customers have pledged a policy of "zero tolerance" towards child
pornography on the net.
There is nothing in the First Admendment that requires an ISP to choose to distribute pornography. They have the option
to not distribute. It is really time for all users of the internet to pick up their phones to call their ISPs and ask
whether they in fact carry newsgroups that feature child pornography or clearly obscene material. If the answer is "yes"
from the ISP, you should ask them to stop. If they choose not to, you should change service to a more responsible
ISP.
A responsible ISP should strive to ensure that they do not take part in any exchange of child pornography. ISPs who provide
free sites may find their generosity exploited by pornographers. Most ISPs know of this problem and do have a reporting
mechanism in place. The ones that don't have any reporting mechanism in place should implement a system that is obvious
through which concerned citizens can report any pornographic websites.
One of the best programs that I have seen and used is the Content Violation Form at Yahoo!Geocities. This form can be found
on their Terms of Service page. Yahoo!Geocities have been quite prompt in their switching off any site that is
objectionable and taking other appropriate measures. Here are the things that Yahoo!Geocities deems inappropriate.
Nudity/Pornography
Illegal activities
Software piracy
Hacking
Racist/Hatred pages
Promoting physical harm
Excessive profanity
Offensive content
Signpost to another server
Remote loading to another server
Material that exploits children
You can also report these objectionable sites through
abuse@geocities.com.
Other ISPs should have their abuse email system set up.
Make an honest effort to report anything that you believe to be illegal such as child pornography to the proper
authorities or agencies that will help. One of the places that you can call or contact is the
Cybertip Line at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or through
www.missingkids.com/cybertip.
Report anything to the U.S. Customs Service. The U.S. Customs Service is this country's front-line defense in the war
against the illegal importation and proliferation of this hideous type of material. They can be reached by either calling
1-800-BE-ALERT (1-800-232-5378) or through their official email address
icpicc@customs.sprint.com
or
icpicc@customs.treas.gov.
These reports should be addressed to the International Child Pornography Investigation and Coordination Center. Please
include in your report as much information as possible such as the persons involved if known, their e-mail addresses,
FTP site, etc. You will remain anomynous and could even be elible for a cash reward.
Do not worry whether the report should be made to Customs. the FBI, your local law enforcement agency, or some other
entity. You can if you know any other agencies email address a forward of the email report to them. It is safe to assume
that the U.S. Customs Service will forward your complaint to the right agency if they choose not to handle the
investigation.
The protection of our children and the elimination of this illegal material depends on all of us to do our part.
Please report any violations that you find.