Qwest and NCMEC Expand Efforts Against Child Pornography in Minnesota

MEADVILLE, Pa., Jul 03, 2008 (ASCRIBE NEWS via COMTEX) -- Q | Quote | Chart | News | PowerRating -- Qwest Communications International and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) have expanded efforts to help protect children from online sexual exploitation.

Under the voluntary agreement, Qwest is working with the NCMEC to block access to Web sites it has identified that contain child pornography.

Qwest is the leader of online safety coalitions in Minnesota and several other states, through which the company convenes local law enforcement, educators and other community leaders to educate and help protect families online. Qwest has been registered with NCMEC's CyberTipline since 2001, and complies with federal requirements to report child pornography. This agreement is consistent with Qwest's customer contracts and acceptable use policy.

"Child pornography victimizes the youngest and most vulnerable of our society and cannot be tolerated. We have been longtime advocates for child safety on the Internet, but with this agreement we are going even further by denying criminals access to these reprehensible sites," said Qwest Chief Privacy Officer Andy Holleman.

"Ending child pornography on the Internet is a goal shared by parents and members of Congress. Qwest's action to voluntarily take steps to block child pornography and prevent exploitation demonstrates their corporate commitment to keeping our families safe and America's children protected," said U.S. Rep. Betty McCollum (D-Minn.).

The Qwest Foundation also works with NCMEC to manage two resources, NetSmartz411.org and 1 888-NETS411, where parents and caregivers can get expert advice on keeping children safe on the Internet.

Qwest offers a combination of broadband, video and voice solutions for residential customers, businesses and government agencies.

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