Preface by Minister for Justice
The Internet and related new media technologies offer extraordinary opportunities for all of society and such technologies have become a feature of everyday life for children, young people and their families. Ongoing development in communications technologies allows people to access the Internet by new means (such as the mobile phone and other portable devices). The use of social networking sites, for example, is a daily activity for many young people.
However, the increasing prevalence of such technologies raises issues about their social implications and consequences. People can encounter negative or risky experiences for which they may not be prepared. We must remain vigilant in tackling Internet downside issues, including abhorrent and illegal content such as images of child sexual abuse (i.e. child pornography). As we face these challenges as a society there is a need for constant review of the commitments for all those charged with protecting against these issues.
In this regard, the role of Hotline.ie as part of a European network of Internet hotlines (INHOPE) is particularly important. Established in 1999, the Irish Hotline provides a secure and confidential service for the public to anonymously report content they encounter on the Internet that they suspect may be illegal. Once reported, the material is assessed by Hotline staff and, if considered to be probably illegal, steps are taken to instigate its removal from the Internet.
Preface contd.
Hotline.ie is funded by the Internet Service Providers Association of Ireland (ISPAI) with support from the EU Safer Internet Programme. Ireland’s participation in the EU Safer Internet Programme is coordinated by the Office for Internet Safety in my Department.
I note with regret, that in 2009 a report assessed by Hotline.ie as a case of child pornography, was traced to a hosting location in the Republic of Ireland. However, I was impressed to see that procedures with the Garda Síochána and Hotline.ie worked effectively and swift action resulted in the content being removed from public access within five hours of the report being opened by the Hotline.
This highlights the invaluable work done by the Hotline but we must never become complacent. I would strongly encourage anyone finding any trace of suspect activities when browsing web pages, or on file sharing programmes, chat rooms, web forums, newsgroups and the like to report it to the Hotline immediately. I strongly believe that responsible states and citizens must do everything in their power to try to curtail the trade in child abuse images on the Internet.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Paul Durrant, General Manager of Hotline.ie and his staff for their dedication and splendid work. Their tremendous efforts and resilience endeavour to make the Internet a safer environment for all our citizens, particularly our children.
Dermot Ahern, T.D.
Minister for Justice and Law Reform
