Bell extends its support in the fight against online child pornography with new funding for Cybertip.ca
$750,000 pledge helps launch the Canadian Centre for Child Protection
OTTAWA, Jan. 29 2008 --
Bell today announced its renewed commitment to Cybertip.ca as the Founding Partner of the newly created Canadian Centre for Child Protection (CCCP), launched in Ottawa today by Cybertip.ca.
With funding of $750,000 over three years, Bell's contribution will support the essential services provided by Cybertip.ca, increase public awareness and prevention through national campaigns, help continue innovative initiatives such as Cleanfeed Canada and produce the Cybertip.ca Child
Protection Series. In addition, Bell will be recognized as the Founding Partner of the newly created Canadian Centre for Child Protection.
The CCCP is a charitable organization dedicated to the safety of all children. As Canada's leader in child safety and protection programs, education and advocacy, the centre advises and raises awareness on best practices related to prevention strategies to reduce online sexual exploitation of children and improve their safety. The centre delivers two national programs, Cybertip.ca and Kids in the Know.
"Bell's commitment to fighting online child pornography dates back to 2002 when we helped launch Cybertip.ca," said Mirko Bibic, Chief - Regulatory Affairs, Bell Canada. "Since then Bell has continued and extended its support with funding totalling more than $1.5 million, including today's announcement to fund the Canadian Centre for Child Protection."
In the last five years, Cybertip.ca has averaged more than 800 reports of online sexual exploitation of children per month. These reports have resulted in 30 arrests, 2,800 websites being shut down, and at least five children being rescued.
"We are very grateful to Bell Canada for their dedication and commitment to the protection of children. Their generous contribution and support will enable the Canadian Centre for Child Protection to carry out its critical work," said Ms. McDonald, Executive Director of the Centre.
As Canada's leading ISP, Bell supports several initiatives promoting the responsible use of the Internet, including the Bell Cyber Abuse Research Project at the University of Toronto, Be Web Aware, the Media Awareness Network and Kids Help Phone.
http://www.bce.ca/en/news/releases/comspon/2008/01/29/74593.html