European Commission: Extension of Safer Internet Action Plan

IRIS 2002-4:1/5

Tarlach McGonagle

Institute for Information Law (IViR), University of Amsterdam

The European Commission has decided to accord the Safer Internet Action Plan a two-year extension. This means that the present Action Plan (1999-2002), which has been central to the European Union's efforts against illegal and harmful content on the Internet, will now continue until the end of 2004. In financial terms, the Action Plan will benefit from an additional budget of 13.3 million EUR (i.e., a total budget of 38.3 million EUR).

The objectives of the Safer Internet Action Plan are to: create a safer online environment by establishing a network of hotlines in Europe and by promoting self-regulation; develop content-filtering and rating systems; and encourage European transnational awareness initiatives.

It is anticipated that the extended Action Plan will play a role in the realisation of the goals of the eEurope Action Plan. It is also expected to focus on measures aiming to stimulate information-exchange and other cooperative actions between Member States and also candidate countries. Furthermore, it should convene all parties involved in self-regulatory practices in a suitable forum; address different types of illegal content or conduct, including racist material, and search for enhanced means of protecting children from the approaches of paedophiles through online communications.