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 (ISP's) make a conscious choice in whether they carry or not some of the worst pornography, namely child pornography, on their computers.

ISP's make the argument 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 argument 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,ISP's must make a conscious decision on which newsgroups they will carry and whether their software automatically updates the material or not.

Different ISP's 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 ISP's 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. jurisdictions. Another reason why this is disappointing 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 Amendment 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 ISP's 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. ISP's who provide free sites may find their generosity exploited by pornographers. Most ISP's 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.

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 Missing Kids 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 anonymous and could even be eligible 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.