CHILD EXPLOITATION

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ONLINE EXPLOITATION

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With the increase in use of the internet, child exploitation is becoming a much larger issue and a much higher risk to all children. law enforcement agencies worldwide are uncovering webs of pedophiles and people involved in the exploitation. With the use of online services such as Limewire, Kazaa and other file sharing sites, it gives these people a source of access to this material and a source of distributing these files. Police are working hard to stop the flow of online child porn and prosecutions are plenty. Unfortunately, the resources available to battle this problem is outnumbered by the people involved in the trade. Companies such as Kazaa and Limewire should be filtering these files at a much higher rate but have yet to block them all. Although it would not take much for them to do so, they choose not to upgrade the filtering system to block them all. When you look at the rationale of companies that select not to self control the content being traded by their software or the content posted on the websites, it comes down to the mighty dollar. Several years ago when End youth Violence went to Microsoft, Yahoo and Excite in relation to the use of their servers and programs to market and distribute a video game based on the Columbine massacre, they simply stated that they do not have the resources to police the content. Further, that if someone complains about content which is in breach of the terms of use, they will look into it and act accordingly. They still did not take action to remove this game or interrupt their service. It was not until it was a focus of a national newspaper story that they acted and shut down the users' services. When it makes a national newspaper, it could have an effect on their revenue and this is what they respond to. When companies are held to the same standards of content in which mainstream media are subjected to, it will be hard for law enforcement to stop it alone. It is also up to parents to learn more about the habits of their child online, be vigilant about monitoring web use and being educated on warning signs. Child safety software is not enough in itself. Children know the technology early and can get into system files and shut off safety software or bypass it. They learn from friends and others with the best intentions of not getting themselves in over their head but by the time they realize they are in trouble, it may be too late. Predators pose as children around the same age and with similar interests, they befriend your child and chat with them until they build a high level of trust. Your child will be asked to either do things online which is an even larger concern if you have a digital camera or web camera or they will asked to meet up with their online friend somewhere. They will be convinced not to speak to anyone about it for fear of either of the "child's" parents finding out. They will meet with your child and although your child was expecting another child, it is now too late. Your child may come home after an assault or other abuse but not say anything feeling that they were at fault for going against you and meeting up with the stranger or they may not come home at all.

More coming on Child abuse and exploitation. Check back often.