Camera phones to be addressed by Internet Advisory Board

LEGISLATION is needed to control the use of camera phones to protect children, says a Fianna Fáil senator,

Clare-based Senator Brendan Daly, who is preparing legislation on the issue, said the use of the phones to transmit a pornographic image of a schoolgirl was a “wake-up call for politicians”.

“It’s now clear there’s a downside to the use of camera phones. The effect it will have on children in their later lives is mind-boggling,” he said.

Mobile phone companies are drawing up a code for the use of camera phones and Minister for Children Brian Lenihan has directed the Internet Advisory Board to address the issue at its meeting next month.

Mr Lenihan has warned people should be aware that distributing pornographic images of a minor carries a penalty of up to 14 years in prison, under the Child Trafficking and Pornography Act.

“The Internet Advisory Board or the hotline should be contacted by parents, if their children come into contact with such material,” he said. However, it is highly unlikely that children under 18 will be prosecuted for offences under this Act.

Senator Daly said he hoped his legislation would complement the work of the board. “We need to strengthen the legislation in this area and make parents aware of what’s happening.”

The Office of the Data Protection Commissioner said the transmission of mobile phone pornography by individuals was not covered under the Data Protection Act. It excludes any information processed for personal use.

In the Seanad yesterday, several members called on the Government to introduce legislation to control the use of camera phones.

“The picture phone is a tremendous innovation and great use can be made of it, but the abuse being highlighted in the Irish Examiner is just an example of what is going on at the moment,” said Fianna Fáil senator Terry Leyden.

Labour senator Joanna Tuffy said the issue showed the need for a debate on the use of pornography.

“Men of all ages view images of young women and very often these involve young, vulnerable women being exploited. The issue must be addressed in our education system and by the media,” she said.