Media Release: Netsweeper responds to media
enquiries regarding international operations
WATERLOO, ONT (April 23, 2018). - Netsweeper welcomes the opportunity to clarify the
conduct of its operations. We are an internationally recognized leader in internet safety and
a key stakeholder in global efforts to combat criminal activity online. Our company strives to
make society safer.
The overwhelming majority of Netsweeper’s international clientele are governments and
government institutions that seek to protect children from the dissemination of child
exploitation. We are a trusted partner of several western governments in ensuring the
integrity and safety of the internet as a learning resource for children.
Several assertions offered by Ronald Diebert, director of The Citizen Lab at the University
of Toronto in his correspondence to us demonstrate a fundamental misapprehension about
the internet spectrum. Mr. Diebert’s analysis and conclusions, as well as representations he
has made before Parliament, are alarming for the real absence of any sound technical
understanding on how internet providers operate, how information technology companies
support online operations, and how online programs function.
Netsweeper cannot prevent an end-user from manually overriding its software. This a
dilemma shared by every major developer of IT solutions including globally renowned
corporations that make the internet work. Our firm’s technology and its applications are fully
disclosed in the public realm. Even the most elementary review of our posted material
shows that Netsweeper’s design does not include any organic functionality to limit the
online content Mr. Diebert highlights.
The ultimate effect of what Mr. Diebert and his interests propose would be the full-scale shut
down of the internet in multiple jurisdictions worldwide. This would prevent vital ecommerce and other transactions critical to the livelihood of millions in the developing world.
Netsweeper has always and remains fully compliant with Canadian law and in those
countries where it has ongoing concerns. We appreciate receiving analysis and questions
that meet professional tests of sound technological understanding and balanced
interpretation.
It is our view the information and questions provided to Netsweeper fail adequately to meet
those tests.
- 30 For further information, media may contact:
Christos Vitsentzatos
Counsel for Netsweeper
Vitsentzatos Barristers & Solicitors
(519) 673-1202 Ext 222
cv@vitslegal.com