A4-0377/98

Decision on the common position adopted by the Council with a view to adopting a European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a multiannual Community action plan on promoting safer use of the Internet by combating illegal and harmful content on global networks (C4-0535/98 - 97/0337(COD))(Codecision procedure: second reading)

The European Parliament,

- having regard to the common position of the Council, C4-0535/98 - 97/0337(COD),

- having regard to its opinion at first reading ((OJ C 226, 20.7.1998, p. 27.)) on the Commission proposal to the Council, COM(97)0582 - 97/0377(CNS) ((OJ C 48, 13.2.1998, p. 8.)),

- having regard to the amended Commission proposal, COM(98)0518 ((OJ C 324, 22.10.1998, p. 6)),

- having regard to Article 189b(2) of the EC Treaty,

- having regard to Rule 72 of its Rules of Procedure,

- having regard to the recommendation for second reading by the Committee on Civil Liberties and Internal Affairs (A4-0377/98),

1. Amends the common position as follows;

2. Calls on the Commission to support Parliament's amendments in the opinion it is required to deliver pursuant to Article 189b(2)(d) of the EC Treaty;

3. Calls on the Council to approve all Parliament's amendments, amend its common position accordingly and definitively adopt the act;

4. Instructs its President to forward this decision to the Council and the Commission.

(Amendment 7)

Article 1(2) and (3)

>Original text>

2. The Action Plan shall cover a period of four years from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2001.

>Text following EP vote>

2.

The Action Plan shall cover a period of four years from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2002.

>Original text>

3. The financial framework for the implementation of the Action plan for the period from 1 January 1998 to 31 December 2001 is hereby set at ECU 25 million.

>Text following EP vote>

3.

The financial framework for the implementation of the Action plan for the period from 1 January 1999 to 31 December 2002 is hereby set at ECU 25 million.

(Amendment 8)

Annex I (1.2), 3rd subparagraph

>Original text>

Under this action line, guidelines at European level will be developed for codes of conduct, to build consensus for their application and support their implementation. This action will be carried out through a call for tender to select organisations that can assist self-regulatory bodies in developing and implementing codes of conduct. Measures will be taken carefully to monitor progress. This will be done in close coordination with the promotion of common guidelines for the implementation, at national level, of a self-regulation framework as advocated by the Council Recommendation on protection of minors and human dignity.

>Text following EP vote>

Under this action line, guidelines at European level will be developed for codes of conduct, to build consensus for their application and support their implementation. This action will be carried out through a call for tender to select organisations that can assist self-regulatory bodies in developing and implementing codes of conduct.

In connection with the establishment of codes of conduct, a system of visible 'Quality-Site Labels¨ will be encouraged to assist users in identifying Internet service providers that adhere to codes of conduct. Measures will be taken carefully to monitor progress. This will be done in close coordination with the promotion of common guidelines for the implementation, at national level, of a self-regulation framework as advocated by the Council Recommendation on protection of minors and human dignity.

(Amendment 9)

Annex I (3), 5th subparagraph

>Original text>

Electronic distribution of material should be supplemented by more widespread traditional packages for use in the education sector and in libraries. The awareness initiatives will take advantage of the awareness actions carried out under other programmes, in particular the MIDAS-NET established under INFO 2000.

>Text following EP vote>

The awareness initiatives will take advantage of the awareness actions carried out under other programmes, in particular the MIDAS-NET established under INFO 2000.

If there is more than one equal option for distributing information to target groups, the most cost- effective one shall be chosen. Whenever possible and useful, electronic distribution should be given priority.

(Amendment 10)

Annex I (3.2), 3rd subparagraph

>Original text>

Actions aimed at teachers could include seminars and workshops and preparation of specific printed and multimedia material for distribution to a large cross-section of members of the profession. Special netdays (a series of special events aimed at increasing user awareness) can be organised in collaboration with the Learning in the Information Society Action Plan, which has wide support from industry. Typical actions aimed at the general public would include: creation of web-sites and distribution of information material in schools, through access providers and through shops and other outlets selling computers, distribution of CD-ROMs on computer magazines. More specific information would be given when targeting families already owning a computer. Traditional media (press, television) would also be used to stimulate awareness through publicity campaigns and information packs for journalists. Using the platform of the European Network of Schools, which is being set up with the support of the education ministries of Member States, special web-pages will be created and maintained.

>Text following EP vote>

Actions aimed at teachers could include workshops and preparation of specific printed and multimedia material for distribution to a large cross-section of members of the profession. Special netdays (a series of special events aimed at increasing user awareness) can be organised in collaboration with the Learning in the Information Society Action Plan, which has wide support from industry. Typical actions aimed at the general public would include: creation of web-sites and distribution of information material in schools, through access providers and through shops and other outlets selling computers, distribution of CD-ROMs on computer magazines. More specific information

can be given in connection with the purchase of equipment or software designed to access networks, or by Internet access providers to new subscribers. Traditional media (press, television) would also be used to stimulate awareness through publicity campaigns and information packs for journalists. Using the platform of the European Network of Schools, which is being set up with the support of the education ministries of Member States, special web-pages will be created and maintained.