Internet Watch Foundation

 

Since Operation Ore revealed the high numbers of people downloading child abuse content from the internet, it was realised that a centralised resource was needed to tackle this crime.

 

The new CEOP Centre brings together law enforcement officers, specialists from children’s charities and industry to provide an integrated, partnership approach to the growing global problem of child abuse online.

                                                

Sarah Robertson, Communications, IWF, said, “The Internet Watch Foundation welcomes the new CEOP Centre. It provides a partnership approach to deal with child protection online and we look forward to having this single point of expertise.”

 

“It is important to highlight the distinction between the two organisations. Essentially, the Internet Watch Foundation deals with illegal online content, as we have successfully for the last 10 years, and the new CEOP Centre deals with illegal behaviour such as grooming in chat rooms. CEOP will also work to trace and rescue the victims of child abuse whilst tracking the offenders and educating internet users about staying safe online.”

 

“The Internet Watch Foundation will continue its role taking reports from the public about illegal content – child abuse images as well as criminally racist and obscene material. It then works with the industry to have those websites taken down and will pass intelligence about the illegal material to the new CEOP Centre to be further investigated.”

 

The new Centre is headed up by Jim Gamble, former Deputy Director General of the National Crime Squad.

 

Jim Gamble, CEO, CEOP Centre, said: "The CEOP Centre is the most significant development in child protection in recent years and is a direct response to the explosion in online child abuse. What we have to understand is that behind every image online there is a child in the real world being abused.”

 

“That is not to say of course that the internet isn’t a great place.  It is a great environment – one that is full of learning and fun opportunities.  Let us signpost you to sources of help, advice and support.”

 

As well as tracking and bringing offenders to account the CEOP Centre will be allocating significant resources towards developing education programmes and public awareness campaigns.  This will be kick-started by the ‘Think You Know’ programme which will be launched to schools later in the year, and will provide education on internet safety and advice on the very latest security measures.

Sarah Robertson, Communications, IWF

 

t:  01223 237 700
e:  sarah@iwf.org.uk

m: 07929 553 679
w: www.iwf.org.uk

 

The CEOP Centre works in both online and offline environments and full information on all areas of work as well as online safety messages and access to online reporting can be found at www.ceop.gov.uk. 

 

The CEOP Centre is affiliated to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (SOCA) and powers are derived from the Serious Organised Crime and Police Act 2005.  It is based in Pimlico, London with developing outreach channels to all areas of both domestic and international policing as well as industry and specialist support and educational faculties.

 

Clive Michel                   07899 064 333

Geraldine McGrory          07870 657531