48 nations join online child abuse fight

Published Dec 5, 2012

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Brussels -

Officials from 48 countries meeting Wednesday in Brussels are expected to formally create what they are calling a global alliance to fight child sexual abuse online.

European Union Commissioner for Home Affairs Cecilia Malmstrom said there are an estimated 1 million photographs of child pornography on the Internet, with an additional 50,000 being posted every year.

Malmstrom says at a press conference that “behind each of these images there is an abused child, an exploited and helpless victim.”

The alliance is expected to focus on identifying and rescuing victims, prosecuting offenders, increasing public awareness, and reducing the availability of child pornography online.

Appearing with Malmstrom, U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder says, “threats to our children continue to grow and evolve.” He says no nation can solve the problem alone. - Sapa-AP

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