Today marks the 6th European Safer Internet Day, aimed at promoting a safer use of the internet, online technologies and mobile phones, and strengthening protection against illegal or harmful content and conduct. In December 2008 the EU adopted a new Safer Internet Programme for 2009-2013 which dedicates € 55 million to making the internet a safer place for children.
London MEP Sarah Ludford, Liberal Democrat European justice & human rights spokeswoman, has campaigned on issues of internet safety including child protection from online grooming, paedophile chat rooms and porn, as well as for stronger measures against identity theft and online fraud. She secured from the European Commission a pledge to explore the feasibility of a single contact point for victims of identity theft. She said:
"The internet is a wonderful and liberating resource, which young people are growing up to take for granted and be especially proficient at using. But the dangers also have to be recognised: 3 out of 5 European parents are worried that their child might become a victim of online grooming or cyber-bullying, while identity theft and fraud are increasing alarmingly."
"EU and international cooperation is vital to tackle internet crime and cyber-bullying, both to protect potential victims and swiftly bring those who perpetrate the crimes to justice. The EU has done much to provide a framework of law and protection, but as individuals we can also help ourselves by for instance reporting threatening material."
For more information, see http://www.saferinternet.org/ww/en/pub/insafe/sid.htm and http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/activities/sip/programme/index_en.htm. For information for UK users to report illegal web content see http://www.iwf.org.uk/
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