OTTAWA: Internet companies that do not actively combat the online exploitation of children should face financial consequences, Canada's public safety minister hinted on Tuesday after announcing an increase in police funding to fight it.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government pledged CUS$22 million in its 2019 federal budget to combat child exploitation online. Goodale's remarks come on the heels of a London meeting of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance, which includes Canada, the United States, Britain, Australia and New Zealand, at the end of July."The topic that topped the agenda was the horrendous crime of sexual exploitation of children, especially using the internet," Goodale told reporters."It's a crime with a global impact and it's increasingly driven by technology.
In a July 30 statement, the Five Eyes welcomed the companies existing efforts, but warned"much more needs to be done at pace" to combat the issue.