RP Internet cafés urged to adopt code of conduct

By Erwin Oliva
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines -- A local firm that owns Internet cafés nationwide is pushing for the adoption of a “code of conduct” for Internet shops, specifically to address child pornography on the Internet.

Local firm Everything Online Inc. (EOL), said the code of conduct was introduced during a conference this month, where lawmakers and representatives of ECPAT Philippines were present. ECPAT stands for “End Child Prostitution, Child Pornography and Trafficking of Children for Sexual Purposes.” It is a network of organizations and individuals working to eliminate the commercial sexual exploitation of children.

In an interview, EOL chief operating officer Elmer Argano said EOL hopes to encourage other Internet shop owners to adopt the code of conduct, which focuses on “self regulation.”

The code of conduct was launched during the first National All I-Café Operators Conference held at the Grand Boulevard Hotel early this month.

The code of conduct is part of the ECPAT Philippines campaign, dubbed “Make-IT-Safe.” It hopes to raise awareness among communities and ICT stakeholders in the growing menace brought about by child pornography and the commercial sexual exploitation of children online.

Argano pointed out that the code of conduct is significant because majority of the Internet café patrons are children, young people and young adults.

“Internet Café Owners in the country are important community hubs and should be channels for development and for bridging the digital divide that still pervades in society. These channels play a major role in bridging the scientific and technological community with that of the general public and also setting the parameters on content,” said Argano.