Statement by the Honorable Michael C. Burgess, M.D.

Making the Internet Safe for Kids: The Role of ISPs and Social Networking Sites

June 27, 2006

Thank you Mr. Chairman, and thank you for having this important series of hearings.

Since we have started this intense investigation on the sexual exploitation of children over the Internet, we have heard from a range of parties including courageous child victims, journalists who bring these stories to light, and law enforcement agencies charged with prosecuting these predators. After each hearing, while I am troubled by what I have learned, I am proud that this Committee is dedicated to educating Congress and the public on this most dangerous situation. As father of three, I am unable to comprehend how people can commit these types of egregious crimes against children. However, it is crucial for the safety of our children for all of us to know about these evils so that we can help curb this abusive practice. Mr. Chairman, thank you for your leadership regarding this troubling, yet imperative, topic.

It is my understanding that after our last subcommittee hearing, Attorney General Gonzalez announced that the Department of Justice, in conjunction with various Internet Service Providers, would study a uniform data retention policy for IP addresses. Hopefully, this will enhance the effectiveness of law enforcement’s investigations of persons engaged in these crimes against children. While some ISPs like Earthlink retain the data for 7 years, others retain the IPs for as little as 31 days. In light of the situation, in my opinion, retaining this crucial data for only a month is almost criminal. I look forward to hearing from each of the ISPs regarding their own current policies. I also think it will be useful to discuss some of the problems associated with a long period of data retention of IP addresses. I believe that the ISPs have a responsibility to the public, and it will be extremely useful to know what type of safety features and filtering devices each company utilizes to help protect our children. Mr. Chairman, my question is, is there now an industry standard that we can hold ISPs accountable to?

While ISPs are an important component to this problem, the government also has a vital role to play. During our last hearing, we heard how the government let a young orphan from Russia, Masha Allen, be adopted by a single pedophile. There were all types of blatant clues that the government ignored, including the fact that Masha would not have her own bedroom in this man’s home. The government must also be held accountable for any type of role that they may play when children our sexually abused and/or exploited over the Internet.

As lawmakers, it is our job to create effective laws that keep our children away from harm. While at times this is almost an impossible task, we have a responsibility to children and parents to diligently undertake this charge. We must not stop until we fulfill this important obligation to the most innocent of society, our children.

Mr. Chairman, thank you again for your continued leadership and dedication to this grave situation. I look forward to working with you and others on the Committee as we continue to seek solutions to this most horrid problem.