WSACP FAQ

Q. How can I help support WSACP?

A. Companies can support by becoming members of WSACP. For more information please see our members page.

If you are a private person and would like to help us you can join WSACP. For more information please see our members page.

If you are an webmaster you may support us by label your site with our WSACP button. For more information please see our webmaster page.

Q. Is it safe to report child pornography websites to WSACP?

A. Yes, it is 100% safe and information is kept confidential.

Q. What feedback are you able to provide regarding reports?

A. We provide feedback on all reports submitted with a valid email address. We will inform you if a suspect site has been reported to the authorities. If we are unable to report a suspect site to the authorities we will inform you of the reasons.

Q. Can you tell me what action has been taken by the authorities against a suspect website?

A. No, we can't provide details regarding possible actions taken by the authorities against a suspect site and its owner(s) / operator(s). The authorities are unwilling to discuss information regarding reports or ongoing investigations. We understand your concerns but as much as we'd like to keep you informed about the progress of your reports, we are unable to do so at this time.

Q. Are child porn text stories illegal and should I report them?

A. As of today it is 'technically' not illegal to feature text related to underage persons. We understand your concerns but unfortunately we are unable to report sites that offer this type of material at this time.

Q. Are anime/cartoon sites which seem to depict child porno drawings illegal and should I report them?

A. At this time animations, drawings and cartoons are also 'technically' not illegal. This issue is currently being debated by the U.S. Supreme Court. Unfortunately we are unable to report sites that offer this type of material at this time.

Q. I would like to track down these websites to report them, can I get in trouble with the authorities?

A. This is a difficult question to answer with certainty. Laws do vary around the world. In the U.S. it is illegal to download, transmit, publish or be in possession of child pornography for any reason. It is not illegal if you find yourself on one of these websites, exit it and report it. However, if you surf such websites on an ongoing basis for the purpose of reporting there is the potential to attract the attention of your ISP (Internet Service Provider) and the authorities. We do not recommend this, but we do encourage everyone that comes across such sites to report them immediately thereafter.

Q. I am concerned that by the time WSACP or the authorities get to my report the site may have moved. Can I download a suspect site and send you the child pornography material through email?

A. No! Do not send us any child porn material. It is illegal to send this material for any reason. All we needs is the web address of the suspect site. It is illegal to download any child pornography material to your computer..

Q. What about child pornography found in newsgroups, chatrooms, file sharing and mails?

A. We only accept reports of child pornography 'websites'. Please report all other issues of child pornography to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

Q. Are sites which contain nude children illegal? The operators claim they are 'art sites' and contain no 'pornography'. They also claim that they are legal under U.S. Laws. Is this true and should I report such sites?

A. Maybe, but not always this is true. We encourage you to report any site you find suspect/ offensive. Just because the site claims to be legal does not mean it is. We report all sites which contain nudity of minors and the authorities make all legal determinations. Click here for the legal definition of child pornography.

Q. I reported a suspect site to WSACP some time ago and it is still online. Why?

A. There can be several reasons for this issue. Some of reasons are:

* The authorities have not yet completed their investigation of the site and its customers.
* The site was not found to be illegal under current laws and the authorities were unable to take any action against the site.
* The site and its owner(s) / operator(s) reside in a country where the authorities are unable to act or gain the cooperation of that country's authorities.

Q. Can you close these websites?

A. No. but we do contact the hosting service and the authorities.