Protecting Children Online
Protecting children online is a particularly challenging issue because predators use both technical and social engineering to mask their intent. Compounding the problem, parents and other caregivers are often unfamiliar with the child-safety software tools available to them. Microsoft is committed to doing its part to contribute to the safety toolbox. As we look at gaps to be filled, we see a continuation of the themes of helping to safeguard online privacy. Technology providers such as Microsoft need to continue to simplify and improve the tools they offer. At the same time, there has to be more widespread understanding of how to use those tools.
Microsoft does not specialize in the creation of child-protection tools. But we do our part. The spam filters, pop-up blockers, and picture blockers mentioned previously also help provide a layer of protection for children. The controls we have had in Xbox since its launch enable parents to limit children's access to inappropriate games. Most recently, because Windows XP enables consumers to set up separate user accounts, Microsoft has enabled parents to establish unique accounts for their children and invoke Windows Content Advisor capabilities to limit children's access to only sites they approve.
MSN now includes sophisticated parental controls. Those tools, available via MSN Premium Service and MSN Internet Access, enable parents to choose categories of content they do not want their children to view, including pornography, weapons, alcohol, hate speech, drugs, and violence. A weekly activity report sent to parents shows a record of each child's Web site visits, the sites they attempted to visit before being blocked, the people to whom they sent e-mail or instant messages, the total amount of time spent online, and any files they downloaded or attempted to download to their MSN e-mail account.
We also work closely with law enforcement officials worldwide in the investigation, pursuit, and prosecution of child predators and computer-facilitated crimes against children. For example, in Canada we are working with several police agencies to develop a database tool that will enable them to rapidly share information on child predation incidents and suspects. Microsoft supports law enforcement officials worldwide in the investigation and prosecution of computer-facilitated crimes against children.
Microsoft is also looking at novel ways to partner with law enforcement and other members of our industry to help teach children how to recognize and address Internet safety issues. In New Zealand, for example, Microsoft is working with the Internet Safety Group to develop a cartoon dolphin named Hector. Children can click on Hector when they encounter something online that makes them uncomfortable. By clicking on the icon, a transparent Hector screen saver is layered over the screen, providing instructions for the child to get an adult.
The table below summarizes the highlights of our fiscal year 2004 activities in this area.
Ultimately, consumer education is probably the most important aspect of this issue and one in which Microsoft aims to do more. Just as adults need to educate children to avoid strangers and dangerous places, adults need to be concerned and conscientious about overseeing children's Internet behavior. They need to stay engaged until they are comfortable that children can take care of themselves on the Internet.
UPDATE ON CHILDREN'S SAFETY
| Technology | |
MSN Premium and MSN 9 Internet access parental controls | The parental controls launched in January 2004 as part of MSN's subscription services are some of the most sophisticated available. They enable parents to choose categories of content they do not want their children to view and to supervise their online activities. |
Xbox Parental Controls | Xbox has long supported parental controls that limit access based on game and DVD movie ratings. It also supports reporting and privacy features. In December 2003, WiredSafety.org bestowed its inaugural 2003 Safe Gaming Award on Xbox. |
Child Exploitation Tracking System | Over the course of fiscal year 2004, Microsoft Canada has been developing an online tracking and database solution to help any law enforcer in Canada keep tabs on child pornographers and alleged abusers who use the Internet to prey on children. A beta trial of the program is expected in early 2005. |
Closure of MSN chat rooms in 28 countries | In an effort to reduce abusive behavior online, in September 2003 MSN closed its free chat rooms in much of Asia, Latin America, and Europe. Chat rooms remain open as part of subscription services in the United States, Canada, Brazil, and Japan, where MSN has billing relationships that enable it to track abusers if necessary. |
| Government Partnerships | |
Law Enforcement and ISP Alliances | Microsoft has partnerships with law enforcement agencies and Internet service providers (ISPs) in 15 countries to develop initiatives designed to stop child exploitation over the Internet. |
International Training Conference Series | Microsoft sponsors an International Training Conference Series that focuses on investigating and bringing to justice people who use the Internet to disseminate child pornography and prey upon children. |
Investigating spam | Microsoft has worked closely with the Royal Thai Police on several investigations involving pornographic spam directed at MSN Hotmail customers in that country. |
Training of law enforcers who focus on crimes against children | In cooperation with the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children and Interpol, Microsoft sponsors training for law enforcement around the world. As of November 2004, nearly 500 law enforcement officers from over 90 countries have been trained. The sessions have been held in France, Costa Rica, Brazil, South Africa, Croatia, and Hong Kong. Future sessions are planned for other countries. |
Policy and law enforcement | When MSN receives a report of inappropriate content or behavior on any MSN Web site or service, the report is investigated and appropriate action is taken in a timely manner. Appropriate action can include closing down a Web site, closing a chat room or a group, terminating a subscription account, or involving law enforcement. Reports are reviewed on a 24-hour basis. |
Australia's "Operation Auxin" | In Australia, Microsoft helped provide law enforcement with information to assist "Operation Auxin," which ultimately led to 150 people being charged with more than 2,000 offences, including child sex tourism, child abuse, and downloading, possession, and distribution of child pornographic images. |
| Industry partnerships | |
Internet Watch Foundation | MSN UK has been a sponsor of this industry partnership since its inception in 1996. The organization offers citizens a single point of contact for handling allegations of unlawful Internet content, especially child pornography. In fiscal year 2004, Microsoft supplemented its annual dues with funds used to upgrade the organization's computer systems. |
| Education | |
WebSafeCrackerz.com | In May 2004, MSN UK along with several U.K.-based nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) helped launch this new online safety site designed by teens and for teens to help them understand the importance of safe surfing. |
BeWebAware.org | Microsoft Canada joined industry and government partners in launching this online education site. Web hits are averaging 40,000 per month. |
GetNetWise.org | This U.S.-based safety site was originally launched in 1999. Microsoft and industry partners sponsored the updating and relaunch of the site in July 2003. |
Hector's World | Microsoft New Zealand is collaborating with an NGO, NetSafe, to develop an online safety site and a range of additional materials for children in New Zealand. Launch is expected in fiscal year 2005. |