The Calgary Police Service is applauding new proposed federal legislation that would require Internet service providers to report child pornography to authorities.
If enacted, the legislation would compel Internet firms to report sites carrying child-porn images. They would also be required to look into complaints about child porn and turn over any evidence they find.
CPS spokesperson Kevin Brookwell said Calgary officials “absolutely” support any legislation that would assist investigators in fighting child pornography and child abuse.
“One of the biggest problems is the scope of the Internet and social media, and it’s very difficult to track and very difficult to police because of the anonymity,” Brookwell said.
“So anything that puts some of the responsibility back on to service providers to report to police will support and assist investigators in tracking down who is responsible.”
Justice Minister Rob Nicholson said the bill would impose fines, and even jail time, for individuals or corporations that don’t comply.
“A mandatory reporting regime across Canada will improve law enforcement’s ability to detect potential child-pornography offences, help reduce the availability of online pornography, facilitate the rescue of victims, and help identify and apprehend offenders,” Nicholson said yesterday.
“The creation and distribution of child pornography are appalling crimes in which children are brutalized over and over again.”
Lianna McDonald of the Canadian Centre for Child Protection welcomed the announcement.
“It’s a very good day for Canada’s children,” she said. “Children need adults to take responsibility and help protect them.”
She said the new legislation will make it easier to crack down on purveyors of child porn.
with files from the canadian press
