2008-07-01 00:56:11 -

- Qwest Communications International Inc. and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) have expanded efforts to help protect children from online sexual exploitation. Under this voluntary agreement, Qwest is working with the NCMEC to block access to Web sites it has identified that contain child pornography.

Qwest is the leader of online safety coalitions in Arizona

and several other states, through which the company convenes local law enforcement, educators and other community leaders to educate and help protect families online. Qwest has been registered with NCMEC's CyberTipline since 2001, and complies with federal requirements to report child pornography. This agreement is consistent with Qwest's customer contracts and acceptable use policy.

"Child pornography victimizes the youngest and most vulnerable of our society and cannot be tolerated. We have been longtime advocates for child safety on the Internet, but with this agreement we are going even further by denying criminals access to these reprehensible sites," said Qwest Chief Privacy Officer Andy Holleman.

"The noblest thing a society can do is to protect the most innocent among us, our children. I commend the exemplary initiative of Qwest to work with NCMEC to take voluntary measures toward blocking the viral spread of child pornography. In our technological age, I am sure countless parents will be grateful for the comfort they can take in knowing that their children are safer when browsing the Internet," said U.S. Rep. Trent Franks (R-Ariz.).

The Qwest Foundation also works with NCMEC to manage two resources, NetSmartz411.org and 1-888-NETS411, where parents and caregivers can get expert advice on keeping children safe on the Internet.

About Qwest

Qwest offers a powerful combination of award-winning broadband, video and voice solutions for residential customers, businesses and government agencies. Customers coast to coast turn to Qwest's industry-leading national fiber optic network to meet their evolving communications and entertainment needs. Qwest employees are the driving force behind the company's nationally recognized Spirit of Service. Qwest is a participant in Networx, the largest communications services contract in the world, to provide innovative voice, data and video services, and is recognized as a leader in the network services market by a leading technology industry analyst firm. For more information on Qwest please visit www.qwest.com. For information about the products and services Qwest is offering in the Networx contract, visit www.gsanetworx.com

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Qwest
Jeff Mirasola, 602-630-8224
jeff.mirasola@qwest.com