Switzerland

[CH] Combating Paedophile Internet Content

IRIS 2001-9:1/27

Oliver Sidler

Medialex

The Swiss Bundesrat (Council of Ministers) has resolved, in co-operation with the cantons, to step up the fight against punishable offences committed with the aid of information and communications systems. It is particularly concerned about child pornography on the Internet. In two statements on parliamentary motions, the Bundesrat said it wished to combat this new phenomenon through closer coordination between the Federation and the cantons. In accordance with proposals by a working group and in co-operation with the cantons, it intends to set up an Internet monitoring authority with responsibility for identifying illegal Internet content. A separate body will be responsible for coordinating legal proceedings and referring cases to the appropriate criminal prosecution authorities.