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Thursday, June 22, 2006
Editorials: Battling cyberporn
The National Bureau of Investigation 7 is surely not the only law enforcement unit whose personnel are not trained to battle cyber pornography in the province.
Majority of Cebu’s policemen, for example, are probably clueless about computers and the Internet.
Visit police stations in Metro Cebu and province and you will hear the familiar tic-tac of typewriters, still the common equipment in the desks of the administrative personnel there.
Meaning, the use of modern technology has still to fully take root in the police organization.
Upgrading
The ideal in law enforcement is, of course, to know how criminals operate to be able to arrest them or prevent the commission of crimes.
Thus, the NBI 7 and the police should find ways to upgrade their knowledge of information and communication technology (ICT) whether by using their organizations’ resources or getting outside help.
Cebu, for example, is fortunate to have become one of the major ICT centers in the country, thus a number of firms can provide the needed inputs or aid.
Surely, establishments benefiting from the positive contribution of the new technology are willing to help battle its negative effects.
Citizens, too
In the meantime, it would be good for the other sectors to lend a hand.
Since cyberporn operates under the shadows, vigilance and awareness of ordinary citizens are important.
Erring Internet cafes, for example, can be reported and activities in the neighborhood can be monitored.
This is important considering that in the recent busting of cyberporn operations in Cebu people in the surrounding area were caught unaware.
Meanwhile, non-government organizations and institutions like the Church should start discussing the moral dimension of information technology.
Value formation is important especially for those targeted for recruitment by cyberporn operators.
Problem
But to be able to do this, there must first be recognition of the problem and of the possibility it could get worse if not attended to immediately.
Reports that some 50 to 75 cybersex dens are already being operated in the country should worry not only law enforcers but the public as well.
The worst thing to happen is for those concerned to consider cyberporn as a mere nuisance and thus be lackadaisical in seeking solutions to it.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 22, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
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