Crackdown on online child porn
2005-02-23 10:53
Sydney - Australia's government told internet service providers on Wednesday that they would face heavy fines if they fail to report online child pornography to the police.
Justice Minister Chris Ellison said that under new laws taking
effect on Monday, companies providing internet services or hosting online content must report child pornography or child abuse material to the Australian Federal Police or face fines of up to 55 000 dollars ($43 450).
"Internet Service Providers and Internet Content Hosts should be
aware that come March 1, they will be obligated to join the federal government's frontline fight against abuse of children online," Ellison said in a statement.
"It can not be emphasised enough that behind every horrid piece
of child pornography is a tragic case of an abused defenceless
child, somewhere in the world," he said.
The new laws impose fines of 11 000 dollars for the individual and 55 000 dollars for companies "if they are made aware that their service can be used to access material that they have reasonable grounds to believe is child pornography or child abuse material" and they do not inform the police.
The legislation also makes it a federal offence, punishable by
up to 10 years in prison, for a person to use the internet to
access, transmit or make available child pornography or child abuse material. - AFP
- AFP