Brussels, 05/02/2013 (Agence Europe) - On Tuesday 5 February, Safer Internet Day 2013, the European Commission presented the results of joint work undertaken by companies from the media, technology, telecommunications and online services sectors which committed in December 2011 to better adapt the internet to the needs of children and to make it safer.
Twenty-nine companies took part in this self-regulatory exercise. They have reported on how they collectively intend to set a new benchmark for child protection online. As a result of their commitments, all devices (including smartphones, tablets, computers and games consoles) could be equipped with parental control tools and screens with simple tools for users to report harmful content and contact. The industry is also working to ensure that parents are aware of, and make use of, these tools. In addition, best practices have been established in terms of age-appropriate privacy settings and effective withdrawal of child abuse material. With regard to commitments on technical tools to promote wider use of content classification, the Commission says that these too are “very promising”. Commitments will be brought to fruition over the course 2013.
Safer Internet Day 2013 has been entirely dedicated to online rights and responsibilities, to encourage people online of all ages to “Connect with respect”. Events were programmed across the EU and worldwide, and as of 2014, the EU and US will celebrate their Safer Internet Day on the same day. (OL/transl.fl)