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SOCIETY FOR PROMOTION OF COMMUNITY STANDARDS INC.

Calls by Coalition of children’s charities for Google to block child porn after murder link

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Internet search companies such as Google have come under pressure to block child pornography after a children’s charity said that the sites “fuel the fantasies” of paedophiles who then sexually assault children.

As Mark Bridger was jailed for life for the abduction and murder of 5-year-old April Jones, the NSPCC said there was a “worrying link” between his looking at indecent images online and the crime he went on to commit.

Bridger’s laptop contained a cache of images of children being raped and abused. Police found a horror film in his video recorder paused at a violent rape.

Last month, Stuart Hazell was jailed for the murder of Tia Sharpe, his partner’s 12-year-old granddaughter. During his trial the Old Bailey heard that he had used his computer to search for terms including “violent forced rape” and “incest”.

Bridger, like Hazell, had no previous convictions for sexual offences. Both went from viewing indecent images straight to the worst class of offending.

With no gradual escalation in behaviour, there was nothing to suggest they were a threat to children and to alert police.

Child protection charities say web companies could introduce online warnings, threatening possible prosecution when users attempt to access explicit sites.

There have been calls for Google to introduce their “safe search” option as a default setting, which would automatically block hard-core pornography and make it far more difficult for children to access accidentally.

John Carr, the British Government’s adviser on internet safety and secretary of a children’s charities coalition on the subject, has said: “Google can do more and should do more.”

Scott Rubin, Google’s director of communications and public affairs, said: “Google has a zero-tolerance policy on child sexual abuse content. When we discover child abuse imagery or are made aware of it, we respond quickly to remove and report it to the appropriate law enforcement authorities.”

Story By Martin Evans. The New Zealand Herald. Saturday 1 June 2013

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/crime/news/article.cfm?c_id=30&objectid=10887728

Source: Daily Telegraph UK

Opinion: Tougher porn penalties long overdue – Editorial, Dominion Post

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ON MONDAY Justice Minister Judith Collins announced the introduction of a bill to increase the penalties for the production, distribution and possession of child pornography. That same day, according to estimates by the United Nations about 200 new images of children being raped, sexually abused and tortured were circulated around the world.

The Objectionable Publications and Indecency Legislation Bill prepared by Ms Collins will not stop that evil trade. It will, however, help to curb it in New Zealand by putting repeat offenders where they belong – behind bars.

Contrary to the pathetic excuses offered by some who have been caught with child pornography in this country, possessing, viewing, and distributing it is not a “victimless” crime. By definition, its production relies on the sexual abuse and exploitation of children.

Without a demand for images of those sickening acts, that abuse would not occur. Sending the strongest possible deterrent to those who trade in it will help reduce the demand.

Despite the fact child pornography causes such misery, New Zealand courts have shown an inexplicable reluctance to take those who indulge in it out of circulation. According to Ms Collins, only about one in three who are convicted are jailed. Her bill will help address that by creating a presumption of imprisonment for anyone convicted of a second or subsequent offence. It will also double the maximum penalty for the possession, import or export of child pornography from five years’ jail to 10 years and increase the maximum for distributing or promoting such material from 10 years to 14.

The bill will also expand the definition of possessing child pornography so that it includes people who view it on their computers, but do not download the images., That will close a loophole that has allowed some offenders to get away scot-free.

Finally, it will tackle the scourge of adults who use the internet and cell and smart phone technology to groom young people for sex by making it an offence to have indecent communications with anyone aged under 18.

Together with a second bill that will allow the victims of serious sexual and violent offences to have their attackers banned from contacting them or living or working near them. Ms Collins has prepared a suite of changes that will go a long way towards protecting society’s most vulnerable victims.

However, the Government must also put its money where its mouth is. The same day Ms Collins unveiled her intention to get tougher on offenders, sexual violence agencies warned they were struggling to help victims because of funding constraints.

In some cases, young rape victims are waiting up to three months to get a counsellor, depriving them of an important aspect of their recovery from major trauma.

Social Development Minister Paula Bennett has ordered a nationwide review into where funding for such services comes from, and where it actually goes. Like the measures Ms Collins is proposing, that work cannot be completed soon enough.

Source:

Editorial Opinion.

The Dominion Post. Tuesday, May 30, 2013.

Google MUST block access to illegal and ‘disgusting’ porn, says coalition of children’s charities

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Google MUST block access to illegal and ‘disgusting’ porn, says coalition of children’s charities. John Carr, the British government’s adviser on internet safety and secretary of the charity coalition, said the Daily Mail was right to highlight the problem.[The Society for Promotion of Community Standards Inc., a New Zealand registered charity, agrees wholeheartedly with the position taken by John Carr, the Daily Mail and the Coalition].

See: Daily Mail On line Article. By Sean Poultier, Consumer Affairs Editor. 26 May 2013 (link below).

  • Charities want blocking software and on-screen warnings to deny access
  • Group include NSPCC, Barnado’s, Action for Children, Children’s Society
  • Comes after investigation by Mail columnist Amanda Platell into the issue
  • Was prompted into action by case of Stuart Hazell, killer of Tia Sharpe, 12
  • Child pornography had fuelled his murderous fantasies

Charities have demanded urgent action to prevent access to illegal and ‘disgusting’ child pornography via Google and other web browsers.

A coalition of organisations is arguing for the introduction of blocking software and on-screen warnings to deny internet users access to the material.

The group includes the NSPCC, Barnado’s, Action for Children, BAAF, Beat Bullying, Children England, Children’s Society, ECPAT UK, Kidscape, and Stop It Now.

Their call follows revelations in the Daily Mail on Saturday about the ease of finding video and photos of the sexual exploitation of young girls.

The investigation by Mail columnist Amanda Platell was prompted by the case of Stuart Hazell, killer of 12-year-old Tia Sharp, whose murderous fantasies were fuelled by online child pornography.

But the group, the UK Children’s Charities’ Coalition on Internet Safety, questioned if firms like Google have the will to take action.

John Carr, government adviser on internet safety and secretary of the charity coalition, said the Mail was right to highlight the problem.

‘Google can do more and should do more,’ he said. ‘For example, whenever someone puts in a search that clearly indicates they are looking for child pornographic material, Google could flash up a warning.

‘It could say “You are trying to reach child pornographic material. This is illegal and if you persist there is a chance of arrest and prosecution”.’ Google’s web browser has three levels of filtering – ‘unfiltered’, ‘moderate’ and ‘safe’.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2331245/Google-MUST-block-access-illegal-disgusting-porn-says-coalition-childrens-charities.html#ixzz2V7ZYDQsm

New Zealand Teachers Council deemed ineffective

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The Teachers’ Council faces a shakeup after a review found it was ineffective in setting and enforcing standards for the profession.

The review proposes either creating a new independent body, or improving the present council to one that provides better leadership and support.

Teachers may also be subject to more regular assessments of their teaching competency, and see more emphasis placed on professional training.

The Teachers Council is an autonomous Crown entity that sets the standards for teachers and governs issues such as disciplinary action.

A review was instigated in 2010, taking into account 177 submissions, interviewing individuals and groups from throughout the education sector, considering New Zealand and international research, and looking at similar professional bodies in the health, legal, and engineering sectors.

Education Minister Hekia Parata said the council in its current structure, governance and position “can’t effectively set and enforce standards for entry, progression and professional accountability with the full support of the profession”.

“It lacks a distinctive brand or effective public voice.”

The report makes 24 recommendations within four key themes: a new professional body, the regulatory framework for teachers, the disciplinary framework, and resourcing to support a strong, professional body.

It recommends clearer separation between becoming registered as a teacher and the issuing of practising certificates, which certify the ongoing competence of teachers.

The “authority to practise teaching should be renewed regularly, as with current practising certificates”, and the review also endorses a move to postgraduate entry for school teachers.

The amount of council fees paid by teachers could also change, with its increased responsibilities.

It also recommends that, in addition to the current Limited Authority to Teach, a broader Authority to Educate be introduced to allow individuals with proven expertise to complement the teaching workforce.

A Ministerial Advisory Group has been appointed to lead consultation with the sector and the public on the proposals over the next two months.

The Teachers Council welcomed the opportunity to “constructively engage” on the possibility of becoming an independent professional body. It would be discussed at its council meeting at the end of this month.

Chairwoman Alison McAlpine said it would support qualified and registered teachers through greater professional learning opportunities.

“The 177 submissions received from the teaching profession and education sector strongly endorse a move for the Teachers Council to become an independent statutory body.”

New Zealand Educational Institute president Judith Nowotarski said the council needed strengthening and the union had been “keen on [an independent body] for some time”.

It was important the body “should be run by teachers, for teachers”, in the same way the medical council was run, she said.

Post Primary Teachers’ Association president Angela Roberts said there were contradictions in the review, such as the fact it called for a more professional body, despite wanting to create a new category of unqualified teacher.

“There are some really simple hypocrisies. I absolutely believe that they need to become independent of the Government.”

Source: The Dominion Post. Tuesday, 21 May 2013. p. A2.

Story by Jody O’Callaghan

On-line story

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/education/8695818/Teachers-Council-deemed-ineffective-review

Fairfax NZ Media

Michael Swann’s parole hearing delayed due to threats against Parole Board

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Convicted fraudster Michael Swann, who defrauded the Otago District Health Board of $16,902,000 over six years while he worked there as an IT specialist, is up for parole after only serving four years of a nine-and-a-half year prison sentence imposed March 2009. He spent almost $11.6 million of the stolen money on boats, flash cars and properties – buying some with suitcases of cash.

In an “extraordinary turn of events” his parole hearing has had to be delayed by the Board because of a threat it received from Swann’s unnamed main parole sponsor, a threat issued in an “extraordinary and inappropriate” letter, according to the Boad.

Board convenor Judge Michael Crosbie said the supporter, who was present for Swann’s parole hearing last Tuesday [14 May], had written to the board since the hearing.

The letter contained “a threat to take and fund judicial review proceedings if Mr Swann does not receive an outcome favourable to him”.

Judge Crosbie said it would be wrong to ignore the letter.

“It is both extraordinary and inappropriate for a prisoner or supporter to write a letter … pending a decision,” he said.

Judge Crosbie said Swann had perpetrated a fraud involving “a serious and cynical breach of trust”.

However, the supporter’s letter had objected to the board conducting any analysis of Swann’s risk.

For full story go to:

Parole Delayed for Swann. 8.45 PM, Monday, May 20, 2013

By Matthew Backhouse

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10884944

Threatening letter delays parole hearing

Story by Wilma McCorkindale.

http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/crime/8693980/Threatening-letter-delays-parole-hearing

Fairfax NZ News