Virtual Global Taskforce website has a make-over

The Virtual Global Taskforce (VGT) website has been redesigned and is now more visually stimulating, accessible and easy to use.

The AFP has worked with the VGT to drive and develop the new look website which was officially launched on 22 June.

The new website will continue to provide a range of advice and information to protect users in the online environment.  It will also streamline the Report Abuse function, which allows any person anywhere in the world to report suspected online child abuse by directly linking them to the relevant VGT member agency’s reporting web page or email address.

The website utilises new capabilities, making maintenance of the website easier and increasing access globally through various language translations.

In addition to content that is already translated and published on the site, this website is the first one built by the AFP to use machine translations.  The Google translations tool allows visitors to select their preferred language and have the website content translated. This capability allows for more languages to be added as needed.

Furthermore, the new website has been built on a more stable Web Content Management System, which will simplify and enhance the process of publishing content to the site. This will prove to be a valuable component of the site’s sustainability in the coming years, as the responsibility for its upkeep is shared amongst the other VGT member agencies.

The VGT was established in 2003 to combat the increasingly prevalent crime of online child sexual abuse. Since mid-2008, more than 300 adults and children have reported suspicious online child sex abuse activity to the VGT via the website, contributing to a number of arrests.

This website announcement is one of the key objectives the AFP committed to in assuming the role of VGT Chair and Secretariat in 2009. The AFP are confident it will showcase this international collaboration and the ongoing collective impact the VGT has globally in combating the online sexual exploitation of children.

The nine international VGT member agencies include the AFP, the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Centre (UK), the National Child Exploitation Coordination Centre (Royal Canadian Mounted Police), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Italian Postal and Communication Police Service, INTERPOL, the Ministry of Interior for the United Arab Emirates, the New Zealand Police and Europol.