Strengthening security and fundamental freedoms on the Internet

PURPOSE: to present a European Parliament recommendation to the Council on strengthening security and fundamental freedoms on the Internet.

CONTENT: this proposal was tabled pursuant to Rule 114(1) of the Rules of Procedure by Stavros Lambrinidis on behalf of the PES group.

The Parliament notes that the Internet has become a key instrument at world level for exercising freedom of expression and developing business activities. These circumstances make it crucial for the combating of crime and abuses of public and personal powers not to limit the potential of that instrument. The worldwide scope, rapid development and specific technical characteristics of the Internet make it difficult to supervise through national legislation alone.

Therefore, initiatives should be taken, not least at international level, to protect the rights of individuals in terms not only of their security but also of their freedoms and the protection of their private lives.

The European Parliament addresses the following recommendations to the Council:

• facilitate a gradual alignment in the EU of national legislation concerning the    requirements relating to the protection of fundamental rights on the Internet;
• take steps to intensify the dialogue between national and European legislators and    between national and European courts;
• promote the dialogue between all those involved in and affected by the Internet, and    particularly Internet operators and users;
• promote conclusion of the necessary international agreements, both at a bilateral (and    notably Transatlantic) level and at a multilateral level (CoE, OECD and UN initiatives).

This recommendation should be forwarded to the Council and, for information, to the Commission.