Qwest Communications Inc. (NYSE: Q), 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 websites it has identified that contain child pornography.

Qwest is the leader of online safety coalitions in several 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.

"Preventing online distribution is a critical part of the fight against child pornography,” said Ernie Allen, NCMEC president and CEO. "Qwest is taking an important step in helping stop the spread of these harmful images, and we appreciate their continued dedication to working closely with us to protect children."

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. 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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