Brussels, 26/03/2002 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the European Commission proposed to extend for an additional two years the action plan aimed at promoting safer Internet use. The Commission now recommends adoption of a new phase in the action plan, ensuring that it would not expire until end 2004.
The action plan for promoting safer use of the Internet aims to: - create a safer environment by setting up a network of hotlines in Europe and by encouraging self-regulation; - develop content filtering and rating systems; - and encourage European trans-national awareness actions. The European Commission proposes to extend the current plan (1999-2002) and to give it an additional budget of EUR 13.3 million (the budget allocated to the initial action plan amounted to EUR 25 million). According to the Commission, the extended action plan will: - contribute to achieve the objectives of the eEurope Action Plan; - include measures to encourage exchange of information and coordination with the relevant actors at national level (including the candidate countries); - bring together all the actors in the field of self regulation in a forum; - cover different types of illegal content or conduct, including racist material; and seek ways to protect children from being contacted by paedophiles online. The second phase will serve as a preparatory phase for a possible subsequent wider initiative related to content in Internet and new online media, including, where necessary, appropriate support for creation of high-quality European content designed specifically for children and new-media education to deal with convergence of technologies and broader issues of online safety such as consumer protection.