The Decision set out an action plan to create a safer
environment for the use of the internet by tackling illegal use of
the web, particularly in connection with, according to the
Decision, “offences against children and trafficking in human
beings or for the dissemination of racist and xenophobic
ideas”.
The plan included funding for measures such as hotlines for the
reporting of illegal content on the internet, tools for use in
filtering or restricting children’s access to the internet and
awareness measures to encourage safe use of the internet.
According to this week's formal Amendment to the Decision, “New
on-line technologies, new users, and new usage patterns create new
dangers and exacerbate existing dangers at the same time as opening
a wealth of new opportunities.”
The scope of the plan is therefore increased, to cover the
growth of new technologies including chat rooms, instant messaging
and P2P systems and the ways they can affect safety.
The plan is to be brought into line with other policies
concerning the security of networks and personal information, and
the funding is increased – up to €38.3 million over the lifetime of
the plan.
