Hungary

[HU] Foundation of a Self-regulatory Organisation for Hungarian Content Providers

IRIS 2001-4:1/39

Márk Lengyel

Körmendy-Ékes & Lengyel Consulting, Budapest

On 14 March 2001, the largest internet content providers of Hungary have founded their professional organisation, the Magyarországi Tartalomszolgáltatók Egyesülete (Hungarian Content Providers' Association - MTE). The main objective of the MTE is to fulfil the self-regulatory role concerning internet content.

At the time of its foundation, the MTE has also approved an Tartalomszolgáltatási Kódex (Internet content code). The code is based on the distinction between edited content, published by the content provider; paid content, that means content of commercial nature such as advertising; and user-generated content, such as contributions to internet fora or participation in chat-rooms.

The code states that while the content providers bear full responsibility for edited and paid content, their liability is limited regarding user-generated content made available by them. The code contains rules - inter alia - concerning intellectual property rights, integrity of contents, and archiving. In its appendices the code gives guidance on ethical principles in editing content; protection of personal data and principles for moderating user-generated content.

Another appendix attached to the code describes the procedure of the MTE in case of complaints. The sanctions that can be imposed when a violation of the code has been stated reach from the simple warning to the exclusion of the member concerned from the association.