We Must Protect Our Children From Child Pornography

WASHINGTON – Today more than 50 people have been arrested as part of an investigation into an online global child pornography ring. Though successful, the recent news underscores the need to better equip law enforcement with the tools they need in order to stop these perpetrators in their tracks.

In May, Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz (D-Fla.) and House Judiciary Committee Chairman Lamar Smith (R-Texas) introduced the Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011 (H.R. 1981).  The bill directs Internet Service Providers to retain subscriber information for up to 12 months in order to assist federal law enforcement in online child pornography and child exploitation investigations. This is similar to existing federal law that requires telephone companies to retain caller information for up to 18 months.

CNN reported today that 72 people have been charged for their alleged involvement in a private, members-only online community that was used to promote pedophilia and encourage sexual abuse of young children.

“This news is further proof of what is not easy or pleasant to believe – that there are people out there who seek to intentionally harm and abuse children,” said Rep. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-20). “Today’s action should be a warning to all the other child predators out there: we will find you and bring you to justice. Children are our most precious resource and we must do everything in our power to protect them. I hope that my House colleagues will join Chairman Smith and me in recognizing the dire need for law enforcement officers to be able to utilize all tools possible to save these children, and vote to make this bill law.”

Chairman Smith: “Child pornography may be the fastest growing crime in America, increasing an average of 150% per year. These disturbing images litter the Internet and pedophiles can purchase, view or exchange this material with virtual anonymity.

“This is partly because investigators do not have adequate tools to track down dangerous pedophiles that prey on the most innocent in our society. Investigators need the assistance of ISPs to identify users and distributers of online child pornography. That’s why we introduced the Protecting Children from Internet Pornographers Act of 2011.  

“The bill requires ISPs to retain subscriber records, similar to records retained by telephone companies, to aid law enforcement officials in their fight against child sexual exploitation. Every piece of prematurely discarded information could be the footprint of a child predator. This bill ensures that the online footprints of predators are not erased.”

The bill would also make it a federal crime to financially facilitate the sale, distribution and purchase of child pornography. It also increases the maximum penalty for certain child pornography offenses. It is supported by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association, the National Center for Victims of Crime, the National Sheriff’s Association, the Major County Sheriff’s Association, the International Union of Police Associations and the Fraternal Order of Police.