December 10, 2009

Taking Action to Protect Children from Online Predators

The creation and distribution of child pornography are appalling crimes. The dawn of the internet has brought with it new and easier means for offenders to make, view and distribute child pornography. Our laws need to reflect these technological advancements to ensure that we are protecting our children.  Everyone has a role to play in stopping the victimization of children, including suppliers of internet services.

That’s why our Government has introduced legislation to require suppliers of Internet services to report online children pornography to authorities. At the moment such actions are voluntary.  

Our legislation will also require suppliers of Internet services to notify police and safeguard evidence if they believe a child pornography offence has been committed using an Internet service they provide.

And this legislation covers more than just "Internet service providers" or "ISPs", terms that are commonly used in relation to those who provide access to the Internet.  This will apply to anyone who provides an Internet service to the public, including those who provide electronic mail services, Internet content hosting services and social networking sites.

Failure to comply would constitute an offence punishable by graduated fines: up to $1,000 for a first offence; $5,000 for a second offence; and for subsequent offences the possibility of a fine up to $10,000 or six months imprisonment; or both for sole proprietorships. If a corporation fails to comply with its duties under this Act, the graduated fine scheme would be up to $10,000, $50,000 and $100,000.

This legislation is the next step in our government’s efforts to help fight the sexual exploitation of children.

In June 2009, we introduced Bill C-46, the Investigative Powers for the 21st Century Act and Bill C-47, the Technical Assistance for Law Enforcement in the 21st Century Act.

These proposed pieces of legislation will help ensure that law enforcement and national security agencies have the additional tools they need to fight crimes such as child pornography in today's high-tech environment. 

Please feel free to contact my office if you have any concerns or issues you would like to discuss.  You may contact my office toll free at 1-866-333-1933 or at 204-326-9889 or in Lac du Bonnet at 204-345-9762.  You may write my office at 8 - 227 Main Street, Steinbach, MB R5G 1Y7, by fax at 204-346-9874 or by e-mail at toewsv1@mts.net.