Because of the varied nature of crimes involving the sexual exploitation of children and minors many measures need to be available for instant use, according to Jim Gamble, chief executive officer of United Kingdom-based Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP).

CEOP is a British-government agency dedicated to protecting children from sexual abuse through online correspondence with paedophiles, as well as combating other related crimes including the distribution of child pornography and incest.

In November 2005 CEOP formed an alliance with Microsoft.

Microsoft's senior director for Asia-Pacific legal and corporate affairs Katharine Bostik said around 50,000 paedophiles were active online around the world, mostly the US and Europe. They distribute pornography, including records of sex acts with young victims.

She said a technological advantage was necessary to tackle paedophilia-exchange rings. Software must be able to track the downloading of illegal material and record electronic activities on servers within 24 to 72 hours after receipt and before offenders delete it.

In some cases local police and computer technicians have tracked "real-time" feed of sex acts.

Law-enforcement agencies are keeping the techniques they will employ secret and only those directly involved in CEOP-Microsoft monitoring will be taught them.

Both Gamble and Bostik said surprise was an advantage.

The workshop brings together police, lawyers, judges and non-governmental organisation workers from nine countries where exploitation of children is unchecked. It is held at the International Law Enforcement Academy training centre in Bang Khen. It ends on April 6.

Thasong Asvasena

The Nation