Internet: multiannual action plan on promoting safer use

PURPOSE : promoting safer use of the Internet by combating illegal and harmful content on global networks COMMUNITY MEASURE : Decision no. 276/1999/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council adopting a multiannual Community action plan on promoting safer use of the Internet by combating illegal and harmful content on global networks. CONTENT : The action plan covers a period of 4 years from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2002. Its budget is set at 25 million euros. The objective of the plan is to promote safer use of the Internet and to encourage, at European level, an environment favourable to the development of the Internet industry. The action lines (see Annex I), in conjunction with the recommendation on protection of minors and human dignity, are a means of implementing a European approach to safer use of the Internet, based on industry self-regulation, filtering and rating, and awareness. The action lines have the following objectives : - to incite the actors (industry, users) to develop and implement adequate systems of self-regulation, - to pump-prime developments by supporting demonstrations and stimulating application of technical solutions, - to alert and inform parents and teachers, in particular, through their relevant associations, - to foster co-operation and exchange of experiences and best practices at European and international levels, - to promote co-ordination across Europe and between actors concerned, - to ensure compatibility between the approach taken in Europe and elsewhere. Action line 1 : Creating a safer environment (creating a European network of hot-lines; encouraging self-regulation and codes of conduct). Action line 2 : Developing filtering and rating systems (demonstrating the benefits of filtering and rating; facilitating international agreement on rating systems). Action line 3 : Encouraging awareness actions (preparing the ground for awareness actions; encouraging implementation of full-scale awareness actions). Action line 4 : Support actions (assessing legal implications, co-ordination with similar international initiatives, evaluating the impact of Community measures). The Commission shal be responsible for the implementation of the action plan. It shall be assisted by a committee composed of representatives of the Member States and chaired by the representative of the Commission. ENTRY INTO FORCE : 25/01/1999.�