Internet Safety
April 4, 2006 - Committee Hearing
Sexual Exploitation of Children Over the Internet: What Parents, Kids and Congress Need to Know About Child Predators
This hearing focused on Justin Berry’s case. NY Times Reporter Kurt Eichenwald also testified, along with the President of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), Ernie Allen.
April 6, 2006 - Committee Hearing
Sexual Exploitation of Children Over the Internet: What Parents, Kids and Congress Need to Know About Child Predators
This was a follow up hearing to the April 4th hearing, and primarily focused on the role and responsibility of federal agencies. Representatives from the US Attorney General’s office, US Postal Service, Department of Homeland Security, Department of Justice, and the FBI all testified.
May 3, 2006 - Committee Hearing
Sexual Exploitation of Children Over the Internet: What Parents, Kids and Congress Need to Know About Child Predators
This hearing focused primarily on Masha Allen’s case. CNN reporter Nancy Grace also testified. Rep. Gingrey discussed his legislation, which increased civil penalties and was ultimately included in the Adam Walsh legislation. The FBI and DOJ also testified.
Opening Statement by Congressman Michael Burgess
On Guard Online - Social Networking Sites, a Parent's Guide
June 27-28, 2006 - Committee Hearings
Making the Internet Safe for Kids: The Role of ISP’s and Social Networking Sites
NBC “To Catch A Predator” Chris Hansen testified about his investigations. Also, reps from AOL, Yahoo, Earthlink, Verizon, Microsoft, Comcast, and Google testified about their policies.
Making the Internet Safe for Kids: The Role of ISP’s and Social Networking Sites, Day 2
A police detective discussed how he used a pseudonym of a 19 year guy who was able to gain access to many children’s personal information as a “friend” on myspace. Reps from myspace, facebook, and xanga also testified about their policies. The FTC and FCC were also present and testified.
Opening Statement by Congressman Michael Burgess
July 10, 2006 - Committee Hearing
Sexual Exploitation of Children over the Internet: How the State of New Jersey is Combating Child Predators on the Internet
This was a field hearing in Rep. Ferguson’s district to discuss what New Jersey was doing about child pornography.
September 21, 2006 - Committee Hearing
Deleting Commercial Child Pornography Sites From the Internet: The U.S. Financial Industry’s Efforts to Combat This Problem
Ernie Allen from NCMEC testified, along with the Department of Homeland Security. Representatives from all major credit card companies were present, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, e-gold. US Bankcorp, Chase, and Bank of America also testified.
Opening Statement by Congressman Michael Burgess
September 26, 2006 - Committee Hearing
Sexual Exploitation of Children Over the Internet: The Face of a Child Predator and Other Issues
Kurt Eichenwald testified again about what he learned from his investigative stories. A psychologist, a professor, and the Director of a “Sex Offender Treatment Program” at a prison (the only one in the country) discussed what they viewed as the psychological makeup of a child predator. They also discussed rehabilitation measures. Two webhosting companies also testified: Godaddy.com and Blue Gravity.
Opening Statement by Congressman Michael Burgess
September 27, 2006 - Committee Hearing
Sexual Exploitation of Children Over the Internet: Follow-up Issues to the Masha Allen Adoption
This hearing further investigated the Masha Allen adoption from Russia. Representatives from the adoption agencies and the Russian facilitator testified.
Opening Statement by Congressman Michael Burgess
