If murder is the highest act of violence, exploiting children for sexual purposes is the highest act of villainy. We know predators cruise the internet in lure of kids. How many Canadian homes with computer access will suffer the end of a child's innocence?

It's vital Internet service providers filter all the network traffic of a computer - we need defences from criminal activity. Preventing the transmission of child sexual abuse images is done only on a voluntary basis. And you'd be surprised how many ISPs argue "personal privacy rights" when investigating police officers need co-operation.

Why impede law enforcement and not the sexually depraved?

I applaud police officers trying to curb child sexual exploitation. Most of us get uncomfortable just talking about it. Such law officers may be the only line of defence a kid has when the abuser turns out to be a parent. When the highest acts of violence and villainy collided in the murders of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, think of the dedicated officers asked to deal with the unspeakable.

ISPs, police, groups and individuals must vigilantly work together for public safety. What about bylaws requiring local ISPs to filter traffic and assist law enforcement agencies? Why not update the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission to reflect Internet safety issues? Support Bill C-22 Age of Protection legislation and Criminal Code modifications. Europe has already developed national and corporative initiatives to ensure safer cellphone use for teens and children.

The Canada Family Action Coalition, Canadians Addressing Sexual Exploitation and United Mothers and Fathers are just some groups working to protect kids. View a national program operated by the Canadian Centre for Child Protection Inc., recognized as Canada's official tipline: www.cybertip.ca.

Janet Gritter

Fenwick