childporn book1-11 - ECPAT International

Hotlines
WHAT IS BEING DONE NOW?
Because of the nature of the Internet, widespread cooperation
is needed between officials in many jurisdictions. Hotlines
and ISP codes of conduct help with reporting and removal of
child exploitation web sites. Hotlines often work with local
and international law enforcement organisations, including
various customs organisations and Interpol.
Hotlines receive reports from the general public about child exploitation web sites,
newsgroup postings and child exploiters via internet, phone, print, fax, mail. Hotlines can
have great success in fighting child pornography and child abusers. Between the launch of
the Internet Watch �oundation’s hotline in December, 1996 and the end of 1999 hotline
tips caused over 20,000 items to be recommended for removal from ISPs in the United
Kingdom.
Hotlines provide the public with advice on how to pursue a complaint against an offending
website. Hotlines can also ask a poster to remove offending content and advise ISPs to
remove the content. In addition, law enforcement may be advised, and content from
another country dealt with by passing information to another hotline or relevant law
enforcement agency. Information often moves faster through hotlines than through such
agencies.
Hotlines also encourage, promote and assist in the development of rating systems. They
disseminate information about the hotline service to Internet users. All good hotlines are
transparent in their workings, and report in an open manner on their operations.
The Internet Hotline Providers Europe (INHOPE Association) encourages and supports new
hotlines, and is working towards ways in which hotlines can cooperate effectively. The
ultimate aim is to have a European network of hotlines.
34 Protecting Children Online