IN JANUARY, the follower of a micro blog dedicated to fighting the sexual abuse of children in China, posted a report claiming a man was suspected of molesting children under the guise of childrenswear models. An in-depth media investigation subsequently found a criminal chain producing and selling child pornography. Beijing News comments:

The media's investigative reports proved the authenticity of the information. A whole chain for the production, spread and sale of child pornography existed in Harbin. The internet provides such criminal activities great convenience in terms of collecting membership fees, communication and transmitting pornography products under various guises, such as paid membership forums and online game communities. Were it not for the micro blog exposing the illegal activities in Harbin, they might have continued.

The public security departments must pay special attention to these clues and take action as soon as possible to clamp down on the criminal activities, and root out the whole gangs, including the club members. Reportedly only one criminal suspect who appeared in the photos exposed on the micro blog was detained by local police.

Since internet-based crimes often involve people from across the country, it is necessary for the Ministry of Public Security to set up a special task force to fight against internet enabled crimes nationwide.

The sexual abuse of children and child pornography have become more rampant with the rise of the internet and China's laws have not caught up with the protective umbrella provided. It is time for lawmakers to amend the relevant laws in light of the latest information technology so as to put everyone involved in the dirty business in the crosshairs of law-enforcement.