Illegal and harmful content on the Internet - Member States' initiatives
The European Commission, DG XIII, has published an interim report on initiatives, being implemented or planned, in EU Member States to combat illegal and harmful content on the Internet. The report is a contribution to the preparation of the Commission's action plan on measures to combat illegal and harmful content on the Internet, due to be published in autumn 1997. This plan is being developed following widespread public concern on the subject during 1996, and resolutions from both the Council and European Parliament. Information on Member States' initiatives has come from meetings of the Working Party on illegal and harmful content on the Internet, which is assisting the Commission in the preparation of the action plan. The report outlines initiatives at both national and international level. Examples of such initiatives undertaken include legislation, self-regulation, awareness actions, technical solutions. At international level, in addition to initiatives taken by the EU institutions, action has been taken by the Council of Europe, the OECD, the United Nations, the International Communications Round Table, and ad hoc groups of countries. According to the report, Member States have already made efforts to take up the combat against illegal and harmful content, both at government level, and by the industry and user groups. The range of measures undertaken on a broad range of fronts illustrates the possibilities for action, and demonstrates the potential for full exchanges of information among Member States.