New bill looks to close internet loophole for online predators
By Fox 11 News
GREEN BAY (WLUK) -- When it comes to protecting children online, authorities say there are challenges, and they say in some cases, those challenges are when laws don't keep up with technology.
"Predators are finding new ways to approach kids," said Lt. Jim Valley with the Brown County Sheriff's Office.
With more kids using social media sites such a Twitter, Facebook, and Snapchat, law enforcement officers are looking for more ways to protect kids online.
"It is so easy to contact someone you don't know, or someone you do know instantly now and asking for a picture is really nothing for anybody now," said Valley.
Valley explained it is illegal for adults to possess nude images of minors, but he says, right now, it's not illegal for adults to ask for those pictures.
"So if they ask 10 kids and only get two, they still succeed, but there is nothing stopping them from asking as many kids as they want until they receive the images," he said.
State Representative Andre Jacque from De Pere is hoping to close what he sees as a loophole.
"So what this does, at the time that we become first aware that a predator is seeking to get those explicit images of children, we have the ability to step in and enforce appropriate penalties," said Jacque, R-De Pere.
Under his proposal, it would be a felony for an adult to ask a minor for a nude photo. Offenders could face up to three and a half years in prison, and a $10,000 fine.
"This is something we want to get in front of and I think this is the best possible way we close this loophole and make sure that those who are seeking to victimize our youth are going to be held accountable," said Jacque.
The bill is still in the early stages, it still needs Senate and Assembly approval, as well as the Governor's signature.