Tip-Off From Irish Web Surfer Closes Paedophile Network

News has emerged that an anonymous tip-off from a member of the Irish public has led to the shutting down of a huge network of child pornography websites.

The tip-off was received by the Irish internet watchdog Hotline.ie, which said the reported website was part of a network of 50 related websites all containing images of children being sexually abused.

Hotmail.ie then referred the details to the Australian Communuications and Media Authority (ACMA), which in consultation with the Australian Federal Police had the sites closed down.

Chris Chapman, ACMA Chairman said: "The successful outcome is an example of how the public can take real action against suspected illegal images on the Internet and how hotlines, law enforcement and the internet industry can work swiftly together and prevent the distribution of child abuse material online."

Hotline.ie provides a confidential online service whereby the Irish public can anonymously report suspected illegal material, especially child pornography, which they encounter on the Internet.

The website then assesses the material, and if found to be illegal, the location of the material is then traced and passed on to the appropriate authorities.

Paul Durrant, of Ireland's Hotline.ie service said: "The internet is so vast that neither the internet industry nor law enforcement can be expected to know the whereabouts of illegal content unless it is brought to their attention. Internet hotlines provide this facility and this outcome is an example of the success that can be achieved through international collaboration involving industry and regulatory bodies."

(DW/JM)