Thank you, Chairperson. The objectives of this amending Bill deal with the capture, editing and transfer of pornographic material amongst children, as well as from adults to children, which is a major challenge. Technology already exists to address some of the problems identified and it is possible for programmes like Internet-based and mobile instant messaging to filter pornographic material, which may find its way to children.
However, this is only to a limited extent, especially on mobile phones. One mobile instant messaging service, I will not mention its name, has no autofiltering mechanism based on a clear link between the registration details of such users and their date of birth in particular. The identity number or the age of registered mobile phone users should be recorded in terms of the Electronic and Communications Transaction Act, and the interception and monitoring Act with its amendment Bill.
Such a filtering and linking mechanism can be introduced through appropriate regulations under the Amendment Bill with the assistance of the EST Act and the interception and monitoring Bill, which is being considered by the Portfolio Committee on Communications at the moment. The application, service provider, the Film and Publications Board and the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa must co-regulate this oversight.
Another major challenge that needs to be regulated by the FPB, Icasa and the Broadcasting Complaints Commission of South Africa is the broadcasting of certain music videos that may fall foul of the definition of child pornography or erotica. Freedom of expression does not justify one's rights to abuse children in pornographic profiteering.
These finite rights must be limited when they posses a threat of child abuse as this other legislation protects children, such as the Divorce Act and the Child Care Act amongst other things. The Progressive Independent Movement will therefore support the Film and Publications Amendment Bill and I dedicate this to my children who are aged three and two. Thank you.