Commission extends action plan to boost Internet safety
A two-year extension of the Safer Internet Action Plan, which aims to tackle illegal and harmful web content, was adopted by the European Commission on 25 March. The Commission now proposes an extension of the current action plan (1999 to 2002) until the end of 2004, adding an additional 13.3 million euro to the initial budget of 25 million euro. 'Content and applications are high on our agenda when it comes to the development of the Internet,' commented Enterprise and Information Society Commissioner Erkki Liikanen. 'But we must also ensure that the Internet becomes a safer place for us all. This action plan contributes to that process.' The Commission will now focus on raising awareness of safer Internet use, particularly chat rooms, online games and mobile applications such as WAP, he said. The Safer Internet Action Plan aims to create a safer online environment by setting up a network of hotlines in Europe, encouraging self-regulation, developing content filtering systems and encouraging action to raise awareness across Europe. The extended plan will include action to help to achieve the objectives of the eEurope Action Plan, encourage coordination and information-sharing at national level, create a self-regulation forum and protect children from being contacted by paedophiles online.