The Safer Internet Plus Programme

The Safer Internet Plus Programme promotes the safer use, particularly by children, of the Internet and other online technologies, fighting illegal and harmful Internet content ranging from child pornography to incitement to racial hatred. 

The Plus Programme is due to run until 2008, and is centred on four action lines: 

Hotlines to fight illegal content

These function to collate and pass reports of illegal content on to the appropriate body for action, across borders if necessary.  The Plus Programme builds on the work of the Safer Internet Programme, extending the approach to new EU Member States and candidate countries. 

Unwanted and harmful content

Technologies can limit the amount of unwanted and harmful content that users receive and the Plus Programme supports developments such as effective filters and content rating systems. 

Promoting a safer environment

Includes the establishment of the Safer Internet Forum allowing exchanges of views and best practice between stakeholders. 

Raising awareness

There is a continuing need for increased awareness, particularly amongst teachers, parents and children.  The Plus Programme includes the setting up of a European Network for raising awareness. 

Background: 

The European Commission launched the Safer Internet Programme in 1999 as the European Union’s response to the threat posed by illegal and harmful content on global networks.  The Programme was originally due to run until 2002, but was later extended to 2004.  The Programme had a wide scope including third generation mobile services, online games and Internet chat-rooms.  External evaluation in 2004 recognised the significant contribution that the Programme had made, but identified a number of areas where further action was needed in this fast-changing field.  The current Safer Internet Plus Programme will run until 2008 and will build on the original Programme and bring a variety of stakeholders together, from law enforcement agencies and policy makers to mobile operators and child welfare NGOs. The main stakeholders in the UK are listed in the useful links section below. 

DTI Contact:
Paul Redwin
Bay 202
Department of Trade and Industry
151 Buckingham Palace Road
London
SW1W 9SS
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7215 1853
Fax: +44 (0)20 7215 4161
E-mail: ecom@dti.gsi.gov.uk

Useful links: 

Safer Internet Plus Programme  -  European Commission pages on the Safer Internet Plus Programme. 

1999 Action Plan  -  European Commission pages on the original Safer Internet Programme. 

Internet Crime Taskforce  -  pages on the Home Office website. 

Internet Watch Foundation  -  the UK hotline for reporting illegal content. 

Inhope  -  Internet Hotline Providers Association. 

Insafe  -  European Internet safety information resource.

  -  an international alliance of law enforcement agencies.