**REMARKS OF COMMISSIONER DEBORAH TAYLOR TATE**

**AT ITU COUNCIL, GENEVA, SWITZERLAND**

**"BE SAFE ONLINE: A CALL TO ACTION"**

**13 November 2008**

Mr. Secretary-General, Excellencies, Distinguished Delegates, and
honored guests, thank you for inviting me to be here. It is an honor and
a privilege to appear before High Level Segment of the 2008 Session of
ITU Council. This session, the first international-level convocation of
its kind to focus on an issue of critical importance to all of us, would
never have occurred without the vision and leadership of a world leader
-- but, more importantly, a father of four, and grandfather of two\--
Secretary-General Dr. Hamadoun Touré. Dr. Touré has provided leadership
and advanced online safety as an international issue. On October 7, Dr.
Touré launched the Child Online Protection Initiative, recognizing that,
in his words, "the online world respects neither boundaries nor
borders."

Hand in hand with our collective desire and our individual national
focus on the deployment of broadband, comes the realization that we must
recognize both the vast opportunities the internet offers---from
economic to e-learning to e-health---and just as important are the risks
and very real dangers which this viral and sometimes toxic connection
allows. It's been nearly twenty years since Tim Berners-Lee invented the
World Wide Web in 1989. This year, at the beginning of 2008, there were
1.3 billion Internet users worldwide---more than three times the total
number of people who live in the United States. Brazil has 6.8 million
broadband connections; Mexico has 5 million; Viet Nam has 1.3 million;
China has 66.4 million; Canada has 9.2 million, and here in Switzerland
there are 2.5 million. Even small, developing nations are making
progress. I was recently in Ghana, participating in the West Africa
Roadmap to Opportunities Conference, which focused on market development
and specifically cross-border cooperation in wireless technology; Ghana
is up to over 14,000 broadband connections.

I am not here today representing the entire U.S. government. Rather I am
here as one federal official who cares deeply about our children. The
U.S. government consists of hundreds of offices, agencies, and
departments\-- from law enforcement, which I will discuss later, to the
legislature, to the various administrative agencies, in addition to the
Federal Communications Commission. Issues of cybersecurity touch every
facet of our government. I have worked as an official at both the state
and federal level, and throughout my professional career, my focus has
always been on finding ways to improve the lives of children---both in
America and around the world. Whether through encouraging childhood
immunizations, fighting to end childhood obesity, or promoting more
positive content in the media, I believe that the next generation is
depending on us to prepare a safe and steady path for them to travel
into adulthood.

My goal today is not to speak, but to listen. I want to hear what your
nations are doing to protect children from dangers online---and what
industry initiatives have seen success. I believe that together we can
develop real-world solutions, forge new partnerships, engage relevant
industry leaders, and truly find new ways to provide our children with
all of the resources the Internet has to offer, in an environment that
protects their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

**[I. Scope of the Problem]{.underline}**

When we speak about the "digital divide," we recognize that there is a
considerable difference in the way our generation perceives the
internet, and the way our children do. Like many parents, I never really
thought past the benefits the Internet offers -- from research for
homework, to the wonders of telemedicine, to distance learning
opportunities, to creating and producing your own content online.
However, we must also realize that this technological explosion of
access also presents challenges and very real dangers.

I often remind parents that the internet is no longer just an
infrequently-accessed research tool, but a ubiquitous aspect of our
children's daily lives. They live in a digital world. As the ITU's
website states: in industrialized nations, up to 60% of children and
teenagers use online chatrooms regularly and evidence suggests that as
many of three-quarters of these may be willing to share personal
information in exchange for online goods and services. An entirely new
language has developed out of this explosion of technology---we "IM",
"blog", "friend" people on Facebook, and use "twitter" to stay in touch
with acquaintances. Children participate in chatrooms, post and read
messages in social networking sites, and join in online activities such
as games.

For those of you representing nations that have little research on the
scope of internet usage, let me share a few statistics from the U.S.: A
2007 study showed that 28% of online teens have created their own blog.
Twenty-seven maintain their own webpage. Thirty-nine percent share their
own artwork, photos, stories or videos online. Forty-one percent of
teens who use MySpace, Facebook, or other social networking sites send
messages to their friends everyday through these sites --- double their
e-mails. Today's U.S. college students grew up with the internet\-- 20%
began using the internet between the ages of 5 and 8. Seventy-three
percent of students say they use the internet more than the library.

With the explosion of educational resources available online, one might
think parents would be 100% pleased with the internet's role in their
children's lives. But surveys show just the opposite: a late 2006 survey
that showed 59% of parents think the internet has been a totally
positive influence in their children's lives\-\-- down from 67% in 2004.
**Y**ou might find it alarming that one of the top reasons for college
drop-outs in the U.S. is online gaming addiction---such as World of
Warcraft---which is played by 11 million individuals worldwide.

Even more concerning, the threat is no longer contained to the family
computer. It is in the palm of your child's hand. Given the fact that
approximately 60% of American teens have a cell phone, and that cell
phones are being marketed to children as young as six, I have, and will
continue to, challenge U.S. telecom carriers to adopt initiatives to
provide curriculum and education regarding safe use of their
products---including internet safety, and the prevention of access to
inappropriate websites by children.

**[II. Dangers and Law Enforcement]{.underline}**

**A. Predators**

One of the major networks in the U.S. recently produced a series of
shows called "To Catch a Predator." I was shocked by not only the number
of predators stalking children online\-- every second of the day---but
also their frightening persistence. In the U.S., the statistics range
from 1 in 7 to 1 in 25 children who have been solicited online. Four
percent of American children have been aggressively solicited---meaning
the predator has contacted them on the phone or asked to meet them in
person.

**B. Pornography**

The Internet has also exponentially increased the presence of, and
market for, child pornography. Child pornography, most of which is now
distributed via the internet, is a multi-billion dollar per year
industry worldwide. There are more than 4 million pornographic websites
or 12% of all websites. According to data from the National Center for
Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC), located in Washington, D.C., 19%
of identified offenders had images of children younger than 3; 39% had
images of children younger than 6; and 82% had images of children
younger than 12.[^1] Our law enforcement agencies around the globe are
working to combat this crisis.

In the U.S., an entire section of our Department of Justice is dedicated
to "Child Exploitation and Obscenity." The FBI has developed the
"Innocent Images National Initiative" which provides a centralized point
of communication and information for local, national, and international
governments and law enforcement bodies.

Last month, Spanish authorities announced the arrest of 121 Spanish
citizens in the largest child pornography bust in that nation's history.
The ring was distributing online child porn in 75 nations. Japanese
police have taken action in 300 cases of child pornography in 2008
alone. In Australia, the Australian Federal Police Online Child Sex
Exploitation Team (OCSET) investigates national and international cases
of child exploitation. ISPs in Denmark, Finland, Italy, Norway, and
Sweden already block known child pornography sites. And recently in New
York, the Attorney General has developed a Code of Conduct for ISPs
designed to stop the flow of child pornography. Every major ISP in the
U.S. has signed it.

The Council of Europe\'s Convention on Cybercrime[^2], which requires
all signatories to make production and distribution of online child
pornography a criminal offense, has been signed by 43 states and
ratified by 16. I urge other nations to join this Convention, making our
international laws more uniform and hopefully deterring predators around
the world.

The U.S., like many other nations, is continuing to update and revise
its child protection laws. Earlier this year, the U.S. Supreme Court
upheld a law that prohibits the intentional solicitation or offering for
sale of child pornography---whether the images are of real or simulated
children.[^3]

Likewise, other nations' laws include:

In [India]{.underline}, it is a crime punishable by up to 5 years in
jail to electronically transmit any material which appeals to the
prurient interest.[^4]

In [France]{.underline}, assisting in the corruption of a minor is
punishable by 5 years\' imprisonment and a fine of €75,000. The penalty
is increased to seven years\' imprisonment and a fine of €100,000 where
the minor is under fifteen years of age.[^5]

Earlier this year Google signed a deal with [Brazil's]{.underline} top
social networking site Orkut, through which the company will facilitate
evidence gathering when there is a suspected case of child exploitation.

The proliferation of child pornography is real and without appropriate
government, industry, and community oversight it will likely continue to
grow.

**C. Cyberbullying**

Another threat arising from inappropriate internet use is now a
recognized behavioral disorder known as cyberbullying. You may have read
the tragic story of a U.S. teenager who took her own life earlier this
year after being taunted (by a parent!) online. I-safe reports that 42%
of children have been bullied online, and 1 in 4 has had it happen more
than once. Psychologists posit that the physical distance between the
abuser and the victim often make the harassment more aggressive than
what would occur in person.[^6] Having been involved in mental health
policy for many years, we now recognize that the internet is also
facilitating a very real new field of disorders just as concerning as
threats to their physical well-being, and often more difficult to
prevent given the pervasive and sometimes anonymous nature of internet
communications.

**D. Child Trafficking**

Another concern that has grown with the proliferation of the internet is
child trafficking---children being bought and sold online for sex. In
the U.S., the Innocence Lost National Initiative has shown that websites
like MySpace and Craig's List (commonly used U.S. website for buying
selling consumer goods) are being used to advertise victims and
services. Traffickers also use websites to recruit their victims. I
understand these websites are now requesting more complete information
about individuals seeking to post ads. I hope this will have a positive
effect. The UK has developed "safemodelling.org.uk", a free advice and
information site to protect against scam modeling agencies and rogue
photographers. I continue to urge ISPs to be aware of the child
trafficking issue, and to cooperate with law enforcement to protect the
children in their communities.

**[III. Global Concern]{.underline}**

Law enforcement officials are utilizing and enforcing statutory
provisions for criminal behavior. This is post ante---or after an
illegal act or harm to a child has occurred. Today's discussion is about
educating, preventing, and protecting our children's precious lives
before injury occurs. Thus, I am here today not only as an American, but
also as a global citizen. In just the last few months, I've traveled to
speak on this issue at APEC-Tel, the Asian Pacific Telecom Ministers in
Bangkok, and at the Global Forum in Italy. I've had the privilege of
meeting with ministers from a variety of nations to hear what they are
doing to protect children in the online world. While certainly not
exhaustive, I have included a few examples of the many international
initiatives.

**[IV. Global Initiatives]{.underline}**

Just two weeks ago, the European Parliament voted to set aside 55
million euros to create the EU Safer Internet program, which will
promote awareness among children, parents and teachers of how to stay
safe online. It will also provide the public with national contact
points for reporting illegal content and bring together researchers to
establish a knowledge base on the use of new technologies. The EU also
funds the newly-established "European NGO Alliance for Child Safety
Online" (eNASCO). eNASCO is a coalition of children's rights NGOs from
EU Member States working to promote online child safety.

The United Kingdom's Office of Communications (Ofcom) recently
recommended to the Mobile Broadband Group, a consortium of the 6 largest
U.K. mobile operators, that they strengthen provisions of regulations
designed to prevent minors from accessing adult content online. Ofcom
also recommended a voluntary opt-in system that would allow children to
access only child-friendly content.

The Ministry of [Japan]{.underline} is issuing notices urging parents
and schools to limit internet-accessible cell phones to children. They
have recommended that Japanese cell phone manufacturers include GPS in
every phone, and limit children's phones to talk capabilities only.

In September, the Polish NGO Nobody's Child Foundation and
[German]{.underline} NGO KlickSafe.de co-hosted a forum called "Keeping
Children and Young People Safe Online". At that conference it was
established (through research conducted in Poland and Germany) that
children fear being targeted by their peers, more than by internet
predators.

NetSafe, a New Zealand organization aiming to provide cyber safety,
security, has produced a program called "Hector's World," for New
Zealand, Australian, and UK audiences. This program targets children
2-10 with animated characters teaching positive lessons about online
safety.

In Brazil, the Senate created a Special Investigation Committee (CPI) to
inquire into pedophilia, cybercrime, and any possible links to organized
crime. It is expected that out of this inquest may come enhanced
legislation and increased law enforcement cooperation (and perhaps a
more official role for Safernet, a Brazilian NGO that has an online
reporting mechanism for various crimes).

**[VI. Private Sector Response]{.underline}**

In addition to the government and law enforcement initiatives, our
private sector partners have been active participants as
well---developing voluntary, self-regulatory solutions. That is why
today is so important--- all sectors uniting to share, to build, to
discuss, and to take action. In this age of convergence, it's important
to include telecom, wireless, wireline, and media companies. Let me
share a few examples from some good corporate citizens---many of the
world's top internet and telecom companies and their specific child
online protection programs.

**[AT&T]{.underline}** developed the AT&T Hometown Tour, which visited
more than 100 communities nationwide and worked with more than 20,000
students from Connecticut to California on Internet safety lessons,
programs, and workshops geared toward elementary- and middle-school-aged
students. Students participated in fun hands-on activities that focus on
key Internet safety skills, such as protecting computers against
viruses, hackers and spam, as well as reviewing age-appropriate,
good-computing habits, such as proper downloading of legal (non-pirated)
material and research-referencing. The program also emphasized keyboard
skills, potential dangers associated with social networking, and lessons
on stranger-danger.

**[Verizon]{.underline}** announced earlier this year that it will
provide free Internet safety tools for parents. This includes a content
blocker, application filters, and the ability to set time restrictions
during which the Internet cannot be accessed. For cell phones, they have
four categories of protection---broken down based on child's age and
each allowing a varying amount and degree of objectionable content--- to
be set at the parent's discretion.

**[Sprint]{.underline}** has 4NetSafety, which provides children,
teachers, parents, guardians and other adults tools and information
about online safety. This is a partnership with the U.S. National Center
for Missing & Exploited Children and the National Education Association
Health Information Network (NEA HIN).

**[DOCOMO]{.underline}**, the largest Japanese wireless provider, has
even undertaken an internet-safety curriculum and actually sends
instructors into schools to provide instruction. The curriculum is
broken down into three parts: 1. basic rules and manners, 2. how to deal
with SPAM (filtering service, etc.), and 3. abuse and slander on the
internet bulletin boards, blogs, and profiles. As of July 2008, DOCOMO
had attended 6120 classes and interacted with 1 million students.

**[Microsoft X-box]{.underline}**. When first introduced, many parents
thought that Microsoft X-Box was nothing more than a game console; yet
it houses a system that functions as a highway to the Internet. I am
pleased that Microsoft created tools that allow children to play only
games with certain ratings, as set by parents.  Microsoft's Family
Settings also enable parents to prevent children from linking to other
players over the Internet for multi-player gaming and let parents limit
game play on a daily or weekly basis. Beyond the Xbox 360 Family
Settings, parents can use Microsoft's family safety tools to monitor
their child's computer use \-- from filtering Web content and managing
email contacts to receiving reports that show which sites their child
has visited on the Web.

**[Cox Communications]{.underline}** held their third annual National
Summit on Internet Safety---to launch a national dialogue and hear what
teens are experiencing first-hand. This year the Summit, co-hosted by
Miss America Lauren Nelson, focused on tweens, children between the ages
of eight and twelve, and included parents and caregivers. Through the
Summit it was learned that tweens' online presence doubles or even
triples between the ages of eight to ten and eleven to twelve, and one
in five tweens have posted personal information online. Communications
between parent and child are just as important in the online world as
they are in the offline one.

**[Comcast]{.underline}**, the leading residential internet service
provide in the U.S., provided -- free of charge -- a PBS documentary
called "Growing Up Online" throughout the month of June, Internet Safety
Month. This documentary gives parents a very real glimpse into what
teens are doing online. Comcast also has a "For Kids" and "For Parents"
resource page online that provide internet safety advice and
information.

**[Charter]{.underline}**, another major American ISP and cable
operator, provides all of its Internet customers with the Charter
Security Suite free of charge, including two levels of parental controls
-- one for younger children and one for teens. Charter has an ongoing
Internet safety education program through the resources available at
www.charter.com/security.  This includes an Online Safety Guide for
Parents, an Online Safety Guide for Kids, and links to Amber alerts and
the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children as well as an
online form that Internet users can use to report possible child
pornography or exploitation on the Internet.

As with most public policy issues, I believe that government agencies
should tread cautiously before exploring heavy-handed regulation.
Fortunately, technology may be creating the solutions\-- but we must
provide parents, teachers, caregivers, and even children with a forum to
create awareness and share knowledge in a coordinated effort.

**[V. Solutions]{.underline}**

Thus, while our nations may differ regarding philosophy or specific
regulatory oversight, we must all work together to develop solutions to
the threats our children face online. Today's session is an historic
start. Now that the dialogue has begun, I would suggest the following:
First, I believe we need an internationally-recognized forum for digital
research, online behavioral practices, medical and psychological
reports, and experimental studies. Second, we must continue to
disseminate this information, to discuss and understand the technology,
the threat, and the tools available to protect children around the
world. Coordination among nations is vitally important because the
internet connects and touches us all\-- and all of our children. Third,
through this sharing of research and expertise, we need to develop a
clearinghouse of best practices, concepts that other nations can
replicate. The ITU website which is under development is a first step so
that leaders, industry representatives, teachers, and parents can link
to successful real-world approaches. Fourth, we need leadership at all
levels---from those of you here today representing your respective
nations at the highest levels of government, to local municipal and city
leaders, as well as media and industry partners, and teachers and
caregivers in each of our nations and states.

**[VI. Conclusion]{.underline}**

The Internet and broadband have literally brought the world to our
children. With the click of a mouse, or the push of a button on a cell
phone, they have access to an endless array of information. Broadband
and the internet improve access to healthcare, drive commercial
transactions, and allow for instantaneous worldwide
communications---literally enhancing every sector of our economies. As
technologies converge, the opportunities are endless. Telephone calls,
stock quotes, news headlines, photos from Skybar, video games, and
internet\-- all from the same provider, on the same device. However, as
we have seen, these dazzling innovations and life-changing services and
products for consumers bring challenges and even risks---risks to our
very personal cybersecurity, our privacy, and most importantly, our
children. In order to ensure that the next generation reaches their
greatest potential, we must ensure that they have access to a wealth of
educational information in an environment that protects their personal
information, physical safety and healthy mental development. Mr.
Secretary, fellow colleagues, it is an honor to be here today and I
share the ITU's goal of increasing safety, decreasing fear and expanding
the benefits of information and communication technologies, particularly
for children around the globe---from Timbuktu to Tennessee and beyond.
Thank you.

[^1]: http://www.icmec.org/missingkids/servlet/PageServlet?LanguageCountry=en_X1&PageId=1742

[^2]: Council of Europe: Convention on Cybercrime, 41 I.L.M. 282 (March
    2002).

[^3]: U.S. v. Williams, 553 U.S. \_\_\_ (2008).

[^4]: India Information Technology Act of 2000

[^5]: France Penal Code, Article 227-22

[^6]: *The New York Times*, August 26, 2004.