What is the Virtual Global Taskforce?

The Virtual Global Taskforce brings together law enforcements agencies from around the world to fight online child abuse.

The Taskforce currently comprises the National Crime Squad in England and Wales, the Australian High Tech Crime Centre, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the US Department of Homeland Security and Interpol.

Jim Gamble, Deputy Director General of the National Crime Squad is the Chair.

What does the Taskforce do?

The mission of the Taskforce is to make the Internet a safer place for children.

It aims to achieve this by empowering children, for example, by raising awareness of the risks that children and young people face online and by providing tools to help manage those risks.

The Taskforce also aims to prevent and deter paedophiles from committing online child abuse, for example, by working with online providers to make it more difficult for paedophiles to misuse the Internet and by increasing the likelihood that those who go online to commit child abuse will be caught.

What is Online Child Abuse?

The term "online child abuse" means using the online environment (e.g. the Internet or mobile phones) to search for, share, download or make indecent images of children. It also includes using the Internet to "groom" children for sex.

Why is this an issue for the FA ? The FA has a long-standing commitment to child protection - both on and off the football pitch.

We have been aware for some time of the amazing growth in the online football community and in the number of football forums, club websites and fan sites. We want football online to work to the same high standards as we do offline.

What can the FA do?

We will be working with the Virtual Global Taskforce to raise awareness of the risks that young football fans can face online.

We want to encourage all clubs, leagues and associations to adopt best practice in delivering web-based services and to promote the Virtual Global Taskforce website.

The Taskforce website contains a range of advice, information and support. This includes information on how to stay safe online, advice on how to report abuse and support for children and young people at risk.

Where can I find out more?

Visit the Virtual Global Taskforce website at www.virtualglobaltaskforce.com