Bot networks, systems designed to control multiple computers without their owners’ knowledge, have spread emails posing as the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP). The emails claim that the receivers’ IP addresses have been reported to ASACP for downloading child pornography.

CEO Joan Irvine asserts, “We wish to make everyone aware that ASACP does not investigate individuals, only suspected child pornography websites and never, under any circumstances, initiates such contacts. Our mode of operation is detailed on the ‘About Us’ page.”

Determining the source is impossible, but ASACP Technology and Forensic Research Director Tim Henning believes it may be the work of child pornographers, in an attempt to discredit the ASACP: “CP operators would like nothing better than to hinder our operations.”

Those who may have been contacted by bot networks or with any information are asked to forward the message to comments@asacp.org.

Founded in 1996, the Association of Sites Advocating Child Protection (ASACP) is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating child pornography from the Internet by organizing the efforts of the online adult industry. ASACP also works to help parents prevent children from viewing age-inappropriate material online.