Conclusion
Public vigilance crucial for a safer Internet
Public awareness of Hotline.ie and their vigilance is central to keeping up the attack on illegal content and, in the case of child pornography, helps to prevent the sexual exploitation of children. How crucial this is was shown in that first ever confirmed report of illegal CP content hosted in Ireland. Criminals had hacked into an unsuspecting website which had weak log-on/passwords.
While we rightly laud the efficiency of the INHOPE network, the prompt response of the Gardaí and the rapidity in which the content was removed from public access, this process would not have been set in motion where it not for the sharp awareness of the anonymous user who reported it in the first place. It is so vital that the public do not ignore suspected illegal content they encounter or anything that appears to advertise or give direction as to where child pornography exists on the Internet but report it to the Hotline.
More Irish people than ever before, especially children and youths are clicking online. While most users will never be confronted by abusive material the chances are that a small number of Internet surfers will accidentally discover a certain amount of illegal content. Such material represents only a minuscule percentage of all Internet content and the likelihood of users, especially young users, coming across it accidentally is extremely low.
However, action is necessary to prevent this material proliferating and, especially in the case child pornography, ISPAI members through Hotline.ie strive to take such material out of circulation. It is therefore vital that users appreciate the necessity of reporting and where they may make such reports.
It is important that through cooperation of Government, Gardaí and industry, we continue to implement and evolve measures that will dissuade people from using ISPAI Internet facilities for illegal purposes. The Hotline is central to this and provides a means to instigate swift and effective action.
