WRITTEN QUESTION P-2427/01

by Giovanni Pittella (PSE) to the Commission

(3 September 2001)

Subject: Action to combat paedophilia

On 26 August of this year, two Internet sites were discovered which contain a photographic archive comprising over 400 images of 23 new-born babies who have been raped and tortured whilst lying in their cots or in baby baths, surrounded by feeding bottles and nappies. The week before, another site was discovered with images of the corpses of little children who had been subjected to vivisection, ripped apart and cut up like animals. After the sites had been discovered the judicial authorities were alerted.

What action is the Commission planning to take in response to this outrage? Does it intend to set up a European Authority against on-line paedophilia which, amongst other things, will enable websites to be monitored on a continuous basis?

Answer given by Mr Vitorino on behalf of the Commission

(3 October 2001)

The Commission has long been concerned about the diffusion of paedophile images on the Internet, in particular child pornography. In order to fight against it, it proposed a multiannual Community Action Plan on promoting safer use of the Internet by combating illegal and harmful content on global networks. It was adopted by the Council and the Parliament on the 25 January 1999(1). The Action Plan provides support in four areas: a European network of hotlines, self-regulation by industry, filtering and rating and awareness.

Furthermore Member States are also committed to provide an appropriate framework under the Council Recommendation of 24 September 1998 on the development of the competitiveness of the European audiovisual and information services industry by promoting national frameworks aimed at achieving a comparable and effective level of protection of minors and human dignity(2).

The Commission attaches great importance to ensuring that the Union is able to take effective action in particular against child pornography on the Internet. Action has been already undertaken both at legislative and non-legislative level. The Commission has introduced last year a draft Council Framework Decision(3) which, within a wider context, include provisions for the approximation of laws and sanctions of the Member States in the field of the sexual exploitation of children, with particular reference to child pornography on the Internet. Now this text is under discussion in the Council and the Parliament.

The primary responsibility for dealing with illegal content (including child pornography) is with the appropriate law enforcement and judicial authorities of the Member States, which cooperate internationally in the fight against child pornography on the Internet through the existing channels of communications, such as Europol and Interpol. Some Member States have already established within the national law enforcement authorities specific monitoring centers of the diffusion of child pornography images on the Internet. Europol is presently considering the need to set up a Union monitoring center, with a view to enhancing co-ordination and effectiveness of the fight against child pornography on the Internet at Union level.

(1) OJ L 33, 6.2.1999.

(2) OJ L 270, 7.10.1998.

(3) OJ C 62 E, 27.2.2001.