What is that evil, evil Microsoft up to now?
The software giant is working with the International Centre for Missing & Exploited Children (ICMEC) and the international police force Interpol to help Indian law enforcement agencies, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), in how to use technologies, tools, and procedures for countering cybercrimes against children. The training, which focuses on the prevention and detection of crimes against children (such as child pornography), is part of an ongoing partnership between Microsoft, ICMEC, and Interpol. The companies have so far trained more than 1,800 law enforcement staff in 94 countries.
The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) in Delhi reported that cyber crimes of all types in India increased by about 39% between 2004 and 2005, but many crimes in India go unreported and the actual figure may be much higher.
Microsoft and the ICMEC, which is based in Alexandria, Virginia, have tied up with over 30 financial institutions worldwide, including credit card companies, to develop a system that will monitor and report online commercial transactions involving crimes against children. The aim is to establish a fully operational system by 2008 that will allow banks to report these illegal transactions to the ICMEC. Microsoft also plans to work with non-governmental organizations and other agencies to educate parents and children about the risks to children on the Internet. Most countries are in need of better legislation to counter crimes against children; Microsoft and ICMEC are creating model laws that could be adopted.