Amended proposal for a European Parliament and Council Decision adopting a Multiannual Community Action Plan on promoting safer use of the Internet
Date: 1998-09-10
Institutions: European Commission
Subjects: access to information, action programme, computer network, consumer protection, information network

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES 

Brussels, 10.09.1998 
COM(1998) 518 final 

98/0276 (COD) 

Amended proposal for a 

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION 

adopting a Multiannual Community Action Plan on promoting safer use of the Internet 

(presented by the Commission pursuant to Article 189 a (2) 
of the EC-Treaty) 

EXPLANATORY  MEMORANDUM 

The Commission hereby presents a modified  proposal for a European Parliament and 
Council Directive adopting a Multiannual Community Action Plan on promoting safer use 
of the Internet.  The modified  proposal incorporates those amendments proposed by the 
European Parliament at First Reading which were accepted by the Commission. 

1)  INTRODUCTION 

a)  Background 
The Commission adopted its proposal on 26th November  1997, and it was formally 
transmitted to the European Parliament and the Council on 26th January  1998. 

The Economic and Social Committee gave a favourable Opinion on the 29th April 1998. 
The Committee of the Regions gave a favourable  Opinion on the  14th May  1998. 
The European Parliament adopted a favourable Resolution at its First Reading on the 2nd 
May  1998, and proposed 23 amendments to the Commission proposal. 

b) Purpose of the Action Plan 

The aim of the Commission proposal is to ensure implementation  of the various European 
Union initiatives on how to deal with undesirable content on the Internet.  The proposal is 
a financial plan designed to support non-regulatory  initiatives for content control.  It is 
important to emphasise that the vast majority  of content poses absolutely no problem. 
However the Internet can be used for illegal activities and distribution of illegal content. 
Parents and teachers are concerned at the availability of content, which could be harmful 
for children.  If the consumers and industry of Europe are to take full  advantage of the 
opportunities offered  by the Information  society, these issues must be addressed. 

The Action Plan has four action lines: 
(1) 

Creating a safer environment - including creation of a European network of hot 
lines and support for  self-regulation 
Developing filtering  and rating systems, taking account of Europe's cultural and 
linguistic diversity 
Encouraging awareness actions 
Support measures 

(2) 

(3) 
(4) 

Each of the Action Lines aims at reaching certain main objectives: 
- 

to empower the user to protect  himself and his family from  undesirable  harmful 
material, 
to strengthen reporting mechanisms for illegal material to be dealt  with by existing 
legislation, 
to ensure that the specific multicultural and multilingual needs of E»  ope are addressed 
adequately, 
to build tnjit  in the new environment  so the consumer can benefit  from the new 
services, an J  so the industry can use the opportunities of electronic media. 

- 

- 

- 

2)  EP  AMENDMENTS ACCPTED BY THE COMMISSION 

Of the 23 amendments adopted by the European Parliament at First Reading, the 
Commission accepted 20 in full, in part or in principle. 

Amendments accepted in full, in part or in principle:  1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9,  10,  11,  13, 14 
(in part), 15,  16, 18,  19, 20, 21, 22, 23. 

The Commission accepted those amendments which: 
-  emphasise the consumer protection perspective [amendments 1, 2, 3, 4,  10] 
- 

include issues of importance under the scope of the plan and supplement the definitions 
of the scope [amendments  1,4,  5,6,  10,  11, 13, 15, 18,  19,20,21,22,23] 

In its modified proposal, the Commission has included the amendments in the text as 
proposed by the European Parliament, and made some additions to ensure consistency 
throughout the text. 

One of the amendments -  14 -  is in part acceptable in the French language (as  first 
submitted to the Commission).  It should nevertheless, be emphasised that the 
Commission in the modified proposal uses the exact wording of Article 2 of the Council 
decision of 13 July 1987 (87/373/CEE), describing rules governing type I committees. 
This text is, in the English version of the text, close to the original version. 

3)  EP  AMENDMENTS NOT ACCEPTED BY THE COMMISSION 

The reasons which lead the Commission not to accept three of the amendments proposed 
by the European Parliament are related to legal issues dud projects  that may prove  to be 
unnecessary. 

a)  Legal issues - liability 

The Action Plan is a financial  instrument that stimulates initiatives that must be 
addressed by Member States, the industry and users.  It is not a legal instrument for 
solving the various legal issues connected with the Internet.  Therefore,  care has been 
taken to focus on the non-regulatory  measures in this Action Plan.  The amendments (7 
and 12) suggested by Parliament, address issues that are clearly legal by nature and make 
references to liability.  These issues should not be dealt with in the Action Plan as 
fragmentary statements, but should be addressed elsewhere. 

b) Labelling systems 

Of the EP amendments adding to the scope of the Action Plan, only one was unacceptable 
and then for practical reasons only.  It proposes the inclusion of labelling systems in 
Industry Codes of conduct.  The need to adopt labelling systems is already stated in the 
Recommendation on protection  of minors and human dignity, and we can expect  Codes 
of conduct to be developed  along the lines suggested  on this report.  îf a separate 
European labelling system is needed, the Action Plan will certainly promote such a system. 
However, if flexible,  international  systems can be adapted, and this proves to be a better 
solution, there will be no need for a separate European system, which could be a waste of 
money.  There is no reason to believe that  the concerns, reflected  in the suggested 
amendment, are not already covered by the proposal. 

4)  CONCLUSION 

The Commission has accepted 20 out of 23 amendments proposed by the European 
Parliament at First Reading either in whole or in part. 

In accordance with Article  189a paragraph 2 of the EC Treaty, the Commission amends 
its initial proposal, incorporating these amendments. 

Modified  proposal for a European  Parliament and Council  Directive 
adopting a Multiannual Community 
Action Plan on promoting safer use of the Internet 

Original text 

Amended  text 

Title and citations 

(based on EP amendments  I and 2) 

PROPOSAL FOR A COUNCIL  DECISION 

PROPOSAL FOR A EUROPEAN 
PARLIAMENT AND COUNCIL DECISION 

of 
adopting a Multiannual  Community Action Plan  adopting a Multiannual  Community Action Plan 
on promoting safe use of the Internet 

on promoting safer use of the Internet 

of 

THE COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND THE 
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community, and in particular Article 
130(3) thereof, 

Having regard to the Treaty establishing the 
European Community,  and in particular Article 
129a(2) thereof, 

Having regard to the proposal from  the 
Commission, 

Having regard to the proposal from  the 
Commission, 

Having regard to the Opinion of the European 
Parliament, 

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and 
Social Committee, 

Having regard to the Opinion of the Economic and  Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of 
Social Committee, 

the Regions, 

Having regard to the Opinion of the Committee of 
the Regions, 

•5" 

Original text 

Amended text 

Recital 2 

(based  on EP amendment 3) 

(2) Whereas however, the amount of harmful and 
illegal content carried over the Internet, while 
limited, can seriously hamper the development of 
the emerging Internet industry and thus, adversely 
affect the set-up of the necessary favourable 
environment for initiatives and undertakings to 
flourish; 

(2) Whereas however, the amount of harmful and 
illegal content carried over the Internet, while 
limited, can damage the mental health, safety and 
economic interests of consumers and thus, adversely 
affect the set-up of the necessary favourable 
environment for promoting and respecting ethical 
standards; 

Recital 2a (new) 

(based on EP amendment 4) 

(2a) Whereas illegal and harmful content on the 
Internet can relate to a very wide range of issues: 
national security, the protection of minors, 
protection of human dignity, financial security, data 
protection and the protection of privacy, reputation, 
public health and intellectual property; 

Recital 3 

(based  on EP amendment 5) 

(3) Whereas it is essential, in order to ensure the full 
potential of the Internet industry, that a safe 
environment for its use be created by combating 
illegal use of the technical possibilities of the 
Internet in particular for offences against children; 

(3) Whereas it is essential, in order to ensure the full 
potential of the Internet industry, that a safer 
environment for its use be created by combating 
illegal use of the technical possibilities of the 
Internet in particular, for offences against children 
and trafficking in human beings; 

é 

Original text 

Amended text 

Recital 4 

(based on EP amendment  1) 

(4) Whereas promotion of industry  self-regulation 
and content-monitoring schemes, development of 
filtering tools and rating mechanisms provided by 
the industry and increased  awareness of industry 
services as well as fostered  international  co 
operation between all parties concerned will play a 
crucial role in consolidating that safe environment 
and will contribute to remove obstacles to the 
development and competitiveness of the concerned 
industry; 

(4) Whereas promotion of industry  self-regulation 
and content-monitoring  schemes, development of 
filtering  tools and rating mechanisms provided by 
the industry and increased  awareness of industry 
services as well as fostered  international  co 
operation between all parties concerned will play a 
crucial role in consolidating that safer  environment 
and will contribute to remove obstacles to the 
development and competitiveness of the concerned 
industry; 

Recital 16 

(based  on EP amendment 6) 

(16) Whereas co-operation from the industry and a 
full functioning  system of self-regulation  are 
essential to limiting the flow of illegal content on the 
Internet; 

(16) Whereas co-operation from the industry in 
setting up voluntary and full functioning  systems of 
self-regulation  and the existence of effective  mutual 
notification  systems between the competent 
authorities concerning the contents of the Internet 
are essential to limiting the flow of illegal content on 
the Internet; 

Recital 27a (new) 

(based on EP amendment 8) 

(27a) Whereas, as referred  to in the European 
Parliament's resolution of 24 October  1996 on the 
draft  general budget  of the European  Communities 
for the financial year  1997 -  Section III  -
Commission ('), there is an agreement between 
Parliament and the Commission on information and 
the presence of European Parliament  representatives 
at the proceedings of Commission committees; 

(1)  OJC347,  18.11.1996, p. 125 

VV 

Original  text 

Amended text 

Article 1 

(based  on EP amendments 9 and 2) 

HAS ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

HAVE ADOPTED THIS DECISION: 

Article 1 

Article 1 

The Multiannual Community Action Plan on  1. 

1. 
promoting safe use of the Internet  ("The Action 
Plan"), as described in Annex I to this decision, is 
adopted. 

The Multiannual Community Action Plan on 

promoting safer use of the Internet ("The Action 
Plan"), as described in Annex I to this decision, is 
adopted. 

The Action Plan shall cover a period of four 

2. 
years from 1  January  1998 to 31 December 2001. 

The Action Plan shall cover a period of four 

2. 
years from 1 January  1998 to 31 December 2001. 

Article 2 

(based  on EP amendment  10) 

Article 2 

Article 2 

The Action Plan has the objective of encouraging an 
environment favourable to the development of the 
Internet industry by promoting  safe use of the 
Internet. 

The Action Plan has the objective of encouraging, at 
European level, an environment favourable to the 
development of the Internet industry by promoting 
safer use of the Internet complementing other 
measures financed  by the Community budget in 
response to the impact of new technologies on the 
general public. 

Original text 

Amended text 

Article 3 

(based  on EP amendments  11,12 and  13) 

Article 3 

Article 3 

In order to attain the objective referred  to in Article 
2, the following  actions shall be undertaken under 
the guidance of the Commission, in accordance with 
the action lines set out in Annex I and the means for 
implementing the Action Plan set out in Annex III: 

In order to attain the objective  referred  to in Article 
2, the following  actions shall be undertaken under 
the guidance of the Commission, in accordance with 
the action lines set out in Annex I and the means for 
implementing the Action Plan set out in Annex III: 

»  promotion of industry self-regulation  and 

content-monitoring  schemes (especially dealing 
with content such as child pornography, racism 
and aritisemitism) 

©  encouraging industry to provide filtering tools 
and rating mechanisms, which allow parents or 
teachers to select, content appropriate for 
children in their care while allowing adults to 
decide what legal content they wish to access, 
and take account of linguistic and cultural 
diversity; 

• 

increasing awareness of services provided by 
industry among users, in particular of parents, 
teachers and children, so that they can better 
understand  and take advantage of the 
opportunities of the Internet; 

©  support actions such as assessment of legal 

implications; 

©  activities fostering  international co-operation in 

the areas enumerated above 

©  other actions furthering  the objective set out in 

Article 2. 

•  promotion of industry self-regulation  and the 
implementation  of schemes to monitor and 
combat illegal and harmful  content  on the 
Internet which may jeopardise national security, 
the protection of minors, protection of human 
dignity, financial security, data protection and 
protection of privacy, reputation, public health 
and intellectual  property (especially content 
dealing with or encouraging child pornography, 
inciting or inducing trafficking  in people and 
sexual abuse, homophobia,  racism and anti-
Semitism); 

©  encouraging industry to provide filtering tools 
and rating mechanisms, which allow parents or 
teachers to select content appropriate for children 
in their care while allowing adults to decide what 
legal content they wish to access, and take 
account of linguistic and cultural diversity; 

• 

increasing awareness of services provided by 
industry among users, in particular of parents, 
teachers and children,  so that they can better 
understand  and take advantage of the 
opportunities of the Internet; 

•  support actions such as assessment  of legal 

implications; 

•  activities fostering  international  co-operation in 

the areas enumerated  above; 

•  supporting initiatives, including web-sites for 

information  and assistance, by organisations that 
are active in the protection  of human and 
citizens' rights, and in counteracting violence and 
the abuse of women and children; 

©  other actions furthering  the objective set out in 

Article 2. 

Original text 

Amended text 

Article 5 

(based on EP amendment  14) 

Article 5 

Article 5 

1. The Commission shall be assisted by a committee 
of an advisory nature composed  of the 
representatives of the Member States and chaired by 
the representative of the Commission. 

1.  The Commission  shall be assisted by a committee 
of an advisory nature composed  of the 
representatives of the Member  States and chaired by 
the representative of the Commission. 

2. The Commission representative shall submit to 
the committee a draft  of measures to be taken. The 
committee shall deliver its opinion on the  draft 
within a time limit which the chairman may lay 
down according to the urgency of the matter 
concerned, if necessary by taking a vote. 

3. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in 
addition, each Member State shall have the right to 
ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 

4. The Commission shall take the utmost account of 
the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall 
inform the committee of the manner in which its 
opinion has been taken into account. 

2. The representative of the Commission shall 
submit to the committee a draft  of the measures to 
be taken. The committee shall deliver its opinion on 
the draft,  within a time limit which the chairman may 
lay down according to the urgency of the matter, if 
necessary by taking a vote. 

3. The opinion shall be recorded in the minutes; in 
addition, each Member  State shall have the right to 
ask to have its position recorded in the minutes. 

4. The Commission shall take the utmost account of 
the opinion delivered by the committee. It shall 
inform the committee of the manner in which its 
opinion has been taken into account. 

Ao 

Original text 

Amended  text 

Article 6 

(based on EP amendment  15) 

Article 6 

Article 6 

1. In order to ensure that Community aid is used 
efficiently,  the Commission shall ensure that actions 
under this Decision are subject to effective  prior 
appraisal, monitoring and subsequent evaluation 

1. In order to ensure that Community aid is used 
efficiently,  the Commission shall ensure that actions 
under this Decision are subject to effective  prior 
appraisal, monitoring and subsequent  evaluation. 

2. During implementation of projects  and after  their 
completion the Commission shall evaluate the 
manner in which they have been carried out and the 
impact of their implementation in order to assess 
whether the original objectives have been achieved. 

2. During implementation of projects and after their 
completion the Commission shall evaluate the 
manner in which they have been carried out and the 
impact of their implementation  in order to assess 
whether the original objectives  have been achieved. 

3. The selected beneficiaries  shall submit an annual 
report to the Commission. 

3. The selected beneficiaries  shall submit an annual 
report to the Commission. 

4. At the end of two years and at the end of the 
Action Plan, the Commission shall submit to the 
European Parliament, the Council, the Economic 
and Social Committee and the Committee of the 
Regions, once the committee referred  to in Article 5 
has examined it, an evaluation report  on the results 
obtained in implementing the action lines referred  to 
in Article 2. The Commission may present, on the 
basis of those results, proposals for adjusting  the 
orientation of the action plan. 

4. At the end of two years and at the end of the 
Action Plan, the  Commission shall submit to the 
European Parliament, the Council, the  Economic 
and Social Committee and the Committee of the 
Regions, once the  committee referred  to in Article 5 
has examined it, an evaluation report  on the results 
obtained in implementing the action lines referred  to 
in Annex I.  Reference  shall also be made to general 
findings applicable to all categories of illegal 
content. The Commission may present,  on the basis 
of those results,  proposals for adjusting  the 
orientation of the Action Plan. 

M 

Original text 

Amended  text 

Annex 1, title and  introduction 

(based on EP amendment 1) 

ANNEX I : ACTION LINES - ACTION PLAN 
ON PROMOTING SAFE USE OF THE 
INTERNET 

ANNEX I : ACTION LINES - ACTION PLAN 
ON PROMOTING SAFER USE OF THE 
INTERNET 

The action lines,  in conjunction with the proposal 
for a Council Recommendation on Protection of 
Minors and Human Dignity,  are a means of 
implementing a European approach to safe use of 
Internet, based on industry  self-regulation, 
filtering  and rating and awareness.  Strong support 
has been expressed for this approach at the levei of 
the European Parliament and of the Council and 
Member States, as well as in the wider European 
context of the Bonn declaration agreed to by 
Ministers from 29 European countries. 

The action lines,  in conjunction with the proposal 
for a Council  Recommendation on Protection of 
Minors and Human Dignity,  are a means of 
implementing a European approach to safer use of 
Internet, based on industry  self-regulation, 
filtering  and rating and awareness.  Strong support 
has been expressed for this approach at the level of 
the European Parliament and of the Council and 
Member States, as well as in the wider European 
context of the Bonn declaration agreed to by 
Ministers from 29 European countries. 

,nd 
Annex  1, introduction, 2  paragraph, fourth  indent 

(based on EP 

amendment  16) 

The action lines have the following  objectives: 

The action lines have the following objectives: 

• 

incite the actors (industry, users) to develop and 
implement adequate systems of self regulation; 

• 

incite the actors (industry, users) to develop and 
implement adequate systems of self regulation; 

•  pump prime developments by supporting 

•  pump prime developments by supporting 

demonstrations and stimulating application of 
technical solutions ; 

demonstrations and stimulating application of 
technical solutions ; 

•  alert and inform parents and teachers, in 

•  alert and inform parents and teachers, in 

particular through their relevant associations; 

particular through their relevant associations; 

•  foster co-operation and exchange of experiences 

and best practices; 

•  promote co-ordination across Europe and 

between actors concerned; 

•  ensure compatibility between the approach taken 

•  foster co-operation and exchange of experiences 
and best practices at European and international 
levels; 

•  promote co-ordination across Europe and 

between actors concerned; 

in Europe and elsewhere. 

•  ensure compatibility between the approach taken 

in Europe and elsewhere. 

M 

Original text 

Amended text 

Annex 1 (1) 

(based on EP amendment 1) 

1. CREATING A SAFE ENVIRONMENT 

1. CREATING A SAFER ENVIRONMENT 

Co-operation from .... 

Co-operation from .... 

Annex  1 (2) 

(based on EP amendment  1) 

2.  DEVELOPING FILTERING AND RATING SYSTEMS 

2.  DEVELOPING FILTERING AND RATING SYSTEMS 

To promote safe use of the Internet,  it is  ... 

To promote safer use of the Internet,  it is  ... 

Annex 1 (2), second paragraph 

(based on EP amendment  18) 

The measures under this action line will  focus on 
demonstrating the potential and the limitations of 
filtering and rating systems  in a real world 
environment,  with the objective of encouraging 
establishment of European systems and 
familiarising users with their use.  Filtering and 
rating schemes must be internationally compatible 
and interoperable and developed with full co 
operation of representatives of  industry, 
consumers and users. 

The measures under this action line will focus on 
demonstrating the potential and the limitations of 
filtering  and rating systems in a 'real world' 
environment, with the objective of encouraging 
establishment of internationally compatible systems 
and familiarising users with their use. Filtering and 
rating schemes must be internationally compatible 
and interoperable and developed with full co 
operation of representatives of industry, consumers 
and users. 

yiv 

Original text 

Amended text 

Annex 1 (2.1), first  paragraph 

(based on EP amendment  19) 

2.1 Demonstrate benefits  of filtering  and rating 

2.1  Demonstrate  benefits  of filtering  and rating 

Rating systems will be stimulated which are relevant  Rating systems will be stimulated which are 
to European requirements and which ensure that 
filtering  and rating is implemented  in a way which 
provides workable options in practice for users, 
parents and teachers.  ... 

internationally compatible» relevant to European 
requirements and which ensure that filtering and 
rating is implemented  in a way which provides 
workable options in practice for users, parents and 
teachers.  ... 

Annex 1 (2.1), second  paragraph 

(based on EP amendment 20) 

Following a call for proposals, projects will be 
selected to validate rating systems in relation to 
European content, to encourage integration of 
rating into the content creation process and to 
demonstrate benefits of these technical solutions. 
Emphasis will be placed on usefulness  and 
practicality in "real-world" situations involving a 
large cross-section of typical users. 

Following a call for proposals, projects will be 
selected to validate rating systems in relation to 
European content, to encourage integration of rating 
into the content creation process and to demonstrate 
the benefits of these technical solutions. Emphasis 
will be placed on usefulness  and practicality in 'real-
world' situations involving a large cross-section of 
typical users. This also includes tests as to the 
security of filtering software  against attempts to 
bypass or deactivate it. 

Ak 

Original  text 

Amended  text 

Annex  1 (3), first  paragraph 

(based on EP amendment 1) 

3.  ENCOURAGING AWARENESS ACTIONS 

3.  ENCOURAGING  AWARENESS ACTIONS 

The public is increasingly engaging in Internet 
activity, reaping the benefits of the new services  At 
the same time there is a degree of uncertainty as to 
how to deal with every aspect of network 
communication; parents, teachers and children need 
to be made aware of potential of Internet and its 
drawbacks and do not always have sufficient 
knowledge about means to protect children from 
undesirable content. Awareness actions contribute 
to trust and confidence of parents and teachers in 
safe use of the Internet by children. 

The public is increasingly engaging in Internet 
activity, reaping the benefits of the new services.  At 
the same time there is a degree of uncertainty as to 
how to deal with every aspect of network 
communication; parents, teachers and children need 
to be made aware of potential of Internet and its 
drawbacks and do not always have sufficient 
knowledge about means to protect children from 
undesirable content. Awareness actions contribute 
to trust and confidence  of parents and teachers in 
safer use of the Internet by children. 

Annex  1 (3), fifth  paragraph 

(based on EP amendment 21) 

Electronic distribution of material should be 
supplemented by more widespread  traditional 
packages for use in schools and 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. 

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

4b 

Original text 

Amended text 

Annex 1 (3.2), third paragraph 

(based on EP amendment 22) 

Actions aimed at teachers will include seminars and 
workshops and preparation and distribution of 
specific printed and multimedia material to a large 
cross-section of members of the profession.  Special 
netdays - a series of special events aimed at 
increasing user awareness - will 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, 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. 

Actions aimed at teachers will include preparation 
and distribution  of specific information  and 
multimedia material to a large cross-section of 
members of the profession.  Special netdays - a series 
of special events aimed at increasing user awareness 
- will 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: 
distribution of information  material in schools, 
through shops and other outlets selling computers, 
distribution of CD-ROMs on computer magazines. 
Traditional media (press, television) would also be 
used to stimulate awareness through  information 
packs for journalists. Using the platform  of the 
European data 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. 

/£ 

Original text 

Amended  text 

Annex 1 (4.1), second paragraph  added 

(based on EP amendment 23) 

4.  SUPPORT  ACTIONS 

4.  SUPPORT  ACTIONS 

4.1  Assess legal  implications 

4.1  Assess legal  implications 

The Internet operates on a global basis. The law 
operates on a territorial basis - national or in the 
case of Community law, covering the European 
Union. It will contribute to the effectiveness  of the 
other action lines to consider legal questions not 
dealt with by other Community initiatives, in 
particular including questions of applicable law and 
procedure. 

The Internet operates on a global basis. The law 
operates on a territorial basis - national or in the 
case of Community law, covering the European 
Union. It will contribute to the effectiveness  of the 
other action lines to consider legal questions not 
dealt with by other Community initiatives, in 
particular including questions of applicable law and 
procedure. 

A call for tenders will be organised for an 
assessment of legal questions raised by the content 
or the use of Internet 

This assessment should also focus on: 
•  which legal instruments are required to be able to 
classify each provider of content in the Internet 
(author and provider) and each sender of an e-
mail as a natural or a legal person; 

•  which substantive provisions of criminal law in 
the Member States and in the framework of 
international agreements ought to be 
approximated in qualitative terms (e.g. child 
protection age, definition of content which is 
subject to prosecution, liability to prosecution in 
respect of links to offerings whose content is 
subject to prosecution); 

•  how quickly formal requests for judicial 

assistance need to be processed, given the nature 
of the Internet, for effective international law 
enforcement; 

•  the extent to which changes are needed to police 

law in Member States in order to allow 
preventive action in relation to Internet content 
which is subject to prosecution. 

Police officers' experience should also be included in 
this assessment. 

A call for tenders will be organised for an 
assessment of legal questions raised by the content 
or the use of Internet 

é 

Original text 

Amended text 

Annex II 

(based on EP amendment 1) 

ANNEX H : INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF  ANNEX U : INDICATIVE BREAKDOWN OF 

EXPENDITURE 

EXPENDITURE 

1. Creating a safe environment 

14-18%  1.  Creating a safer  environment 

14-18% 

2. Developing filtering and rating systems  37-43  %  2.  Developing filtering and rating systems  37-43  % 

3.  Encouraging awareness actions 

35-41  %  3.  Encouraging awareness actions 

35-41  % 

4.  Support actions 

Total: 

5-7  % 

4.  Support actions 

100 

Total: 

5-7  % 

100 

At 

ISSN 0254-1475 

COM(98) 518 final 

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