Combat child pornography on the Internet. Initiative Austria

PURPOSE : to combat child pornography on the Internet. CONTENT : in order to combat the sexual exploitation of children and, in particular, the production, processing, distribution and possession of child pornography material on the Internet, the Council proposes, on the initiative of Austria, a decision aiming to reinforce preventative measures and the fight against this type of practice. The objective is that these offences are effectively detected and curbed by encouraging Internet users to inform law enforcement authorites on suspected distribution of child pornography material. In order to guarantee that these offences are effectively suppressed, the Austrian initiative suggests the setting up within law enforcement agencies of specialised units with the necessary expertise and resources to be able to deal swiftly with information on the suspected production, processing, distribution and possession of child pornography. The proposal for a decision also stresses the reinforcement of the cooperation between the Member States to facilitate the effective investigation and prosecution of offences concerning child pornography on the Internet in accordance with existing arrangements and agreements. In addition, it proposes the Member States will communicate already established points of contact, which are set up on a 24/24 hour basis and consist of knowledgeable personnel, as well as the specialised units which can be used for exchange of information and for further contacts between Member States. Points of contact, which Member States have already set up for other duties could also be used for these purposes. EUROPOL shall also be kept informed of suspected cases of child pornography. Furthermore, provisions will be provided for to invite the Member States to take necessary measures, including some at legal level, with the purpose of eliminating child pornography on the Internet. The idea would be to oblige Internet providers to advise the competent entities of child pornography material about which they have been informed of or which they are aware and which is distributed through them, and to withdraw from circulation material of which they have been informed or of which they are aware and which is distributed through them unless otherwise specified by competent authorities. It will also request them to create their own control systems for combating the production, processing, distribution and the possession of this type of material. The measures provided for in this Austrian proposal shall be implemented by the Member States by 31.12.2000 at the latest.�