ISPs Build Database to Combat Child Porn

WASHINGTON — Five Internet service providers have teamed up to build a central database to help law enforcement officials prevent the distribution of child pornography online.

Ernie Allen, chief executive of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, welcomed the decision by the industry to join the fight against child pornography, saying that “there is nothing more insidious and inappropriate” than child pornography.

Pledging $1 million to establish a technology coalition under the umbrella of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, ISPs AOL, Yahoo, Microsoft, Earthlink and United Online plan to create a database of child pornography images to help authorities better track users dealing in illegal content.

The technology coalition will collect images of child pornography, creating a mathematical signature for each image. Participating ISPs will be able to scan the database, looking for matches with user images.

While each company will determine its own protocol for how to use the database, executives involved in creating the partnership believe that sharing technology will help the industry develop more effective crime-fighting tools.

“When we pool together all our collective know-how and technical tools, we hope to come up with something more comprehensive along the lines of preventative measures,” Microsoft's Tim Cranton said.

While all ISPs are required by law to report child pornography, the coalition was formed, in part, as a response to a speech from Attorney General Alberto Gonzales calling for the industry to do more to stop child pornography, AOL chief counsel John Ryan said.

According to ASACP Executive Director Joan Irvine, a database such as this will be an effective tool in the fight against online child pornography.

"ASACP is glad these companies are ramping up their efforts to combat child pornography," Irvine told XBIZ. "If the proposed database became available for use by ASACP as well, it would improve the capability of our online CP reporting hotline.”

Still unresolved by the formation of the coalition is the issue of ISP record retention. Law enforcement officials have asked ISPs to keep user records on file longer to help track offenders and have suggested that legislation mandating record-keeping may be in order.

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

TeamSkeet, MYLF to Launch New Website FamilyStrokes.com

Sister studios TeamSkeet and MYLF are launching a new website, FamilyStrokes.com.

AV Bulletin: Age Verification Hits the Mainstream, Ofcom Sets a Date

Industry stakeholders and free speech advocates have anxiously been awaiting the Supreme Court’s decision in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, which could significantly impact state age verification laws around the country. In the meantime, state legislatures continue to weigh and pass AV bills, AV tech providers continue to tout their services, and legal challenges continue to play out in the courts — with some cases on hold pending the SCOTUS ruling in Paxton.

Segpay Names Kristi Greer VP of Sales

Segpay has promoted long-time employee Kristi Greer to the position of vice president of sales.

BranditScan Names Subgirl Newest Brand Ambassador

BranditScan has named content creator Subgirl its newest brand ambassador.

Arcom Reports Age Verification Enforcement Actions Against 5 Adult Sites

French media regulator Arcom released a statement Tuesday detailing recent actions to enforce age verification rules as set forth under France’s Security and Regulation of the Digital Space (SREN) law.

Pineapple Support, Clips4Sale to Host Performers' Partners Support Group

Pineapple Support and Clips4Sale are hosting a free online support group for partners and family members of adult industry professionals.

FSC Mourns the Loss of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes

Free Speech Coalition has released a statement regarding the passing of Board Director Emeritus Mark Kernes.

Alexa Creed Launches New Paysite

Creator Alexa Creed has launched a new membership site through MyMember.site.

Choice Talent Management Launches Fan Platform 'ChoiceFilmz'

Choice Talent Management CEO Chris Crisco has launched a new fan platform called ChoiceFilmz.

Dredd to Launch Official Site

Dredd has announced his new website OfficialDreddXXX.com, launching April 20.

Show More