Merits of 'Masha's Law'

[globalvillage]

By John F. Kerry
July 19, 2006


The Internet can bring people a continent away together. It can empower Americans to spread their ideas and innovations across the globe. But the Internet also allows child pornographers to take advantage of speed and anonymity to exploit vulnerable young people and spread horrifying images across the Web.
If you don't believe the Internet can cause such harm, all you have to do is listen to Masha's story. When she was just 5, Masha was adopted from a Russian orphanage by a man who began sexually abusing her the night she arrived. Today, after escaping the horrors of this abuse, Masha has come forward to tell her story and raise awareness so others are spared her unspeakable experiences.
This courageous 13-year-old has worked tirelessly to close loopholes in child pornography laws that allow predators to download pornographic images of children without significant penalties. All parents owe her a debt of gratitude.
The Senate and House are drafting child exploitation legislation, and Masha's Law should be a critical component of any new bill passed.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, child pornography has become a multibillion-dollar Internet industry, and -- worse still -- the tools available to law enforcement are years behind the evolving technology used by child pornographers to escape detection.

more at
http://www.washtimes.com/commentary/20060718-083427-1343r.htm

Masha's Law was included in the Adam Walsh bill. I had hoped to hear him speak on this, but very happy to hear it passed by voice vote.

[ProSense]

1. Excellent! n/t