Just 2 days ago, the launch of the new Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) Centre marks the most significant development in child protection in the UK. CEOP is a member of the Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT), which is made up of law enforcement agencies from around the world. Other members include the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the US Department of Homeland Security, and Interpol. Industry partners comprise of Microsoft, MSN, AOL UK, Vodafone, and BT.
Operation PIN was launched in December 2003, with the main aim of deterring pedophiles and criminals from searching for images of child abuse online. The operation involves creation of dummy websites containing such pictures. Anyone who attempts to download the images will have their details recorded and passed on to the relevant authorities.
VGT also allows children to report suspicious activities online directly to a police officer. This online reporting facility currently operates in Australia and UK, and will soon be operational in Canada, and US.
VGT eNewsletter, Issue 1: Spring 2006
