Yesterday’s vote (460 in favour, 0 against, 3 abstentions) was
welcomed by Louisa Gosling, President of the European Internet
Services Providers Association (EuroISPA), as a “forward looking
and informed decision”.
The report addresses internet usage and the problem of illegal
or harmful content and aims to promote the use of effective and
constructive tools in pursuit of safer use of the internet.
The Parliament Report follows a European Commission document on
the progress of industry self-regulation in this area. The
Commission document highlights EuroISPA and its members as being at
the forefront of the work on these difficult and sensitive subject
areas, whilst encouraging the sector to continue in the fight
against illegal content and the development of technological tools
to assist them.
Ms. Gosling said:
“Recognition from European Union officials
for the work that EuroISPA and its individual members has been
doing since its creation is very encouraging. We are also very
pleased that the Parliament has come out strongly against blocking,
which is not only a technically disastrous solution, but also
raises significant free speech and democratic concerns.
“Blocking is damaging to both the internet
industry and to consumers Since blocking is technically difficult,
democratically questionable and undoubtedly inefficient, we believe
that resources being targeted at this issue should be invested into
more effective methods of addressing the problems, such as
hotlines, rating systems and, above all, the provision to the
public of clear and accurate information on how they can
effectively control the content they see.
“ISPs are at the forefront of these
campaigns and they must not be burdened with impractical measures
which inhibit their ability to implement effective
initiatives.”
EuroISPA said it remains committed to the types of programme
identified under the EU’s Safer Internet Action Plan and those
initiatives on the establishment of hotlines, rating systems and
awareness campaigns, which have taken and continue to take place at
the national level.
Ms. Gosling concluded: “European ISPs have taken, and will
continue to take, effective measures to protect consumers on the
internet. We welcome this official recognition of our work to date
and the EU institutions’ encouragement to all industry players to
continue those efforts.”
The text adopted by Parliament in yesterday’s plenary session
will not be available for some days yet.
