It has just been published that Neelie Kroes, Vice President of the European Commission and responsible for the Digital Agenda and the Secretary for National Security of the United States, Janet Napolitano, have signed a joint statement in London committing to make the Internet a safer and better place for children. Among the signed commitments, they have agreed to carry out joint campaigns that facilitate a safer Internet.
And as a first step, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security intends to participate in the Secure Internet Day next February 5, 2013.
The agreement includes a commitment to contribute to international cooperation in the fight against child sexual abuse which is done using telematic means. The objective is to obtain performance in the collaborative work carried out by the Working Group and Interpol to combat sexual abuse of minors throughout the world. Both parties have stressed that international cooperation is essential if one wants to be effective in the fight against child sexual abuse. They also recognize that parents and guardians have to rely on the content and services that their children use and undertake to continue working with the industry and other interested parties so that parents and children can make decisions with sufficient knowledge and judgment.
The basis for this statement has been prepared by the European Union and the United States Working Group on cybersecurity and cybercrime. The agreement began in the framework of the Summit of November 20, 2010, held in Lisbon, which aimed to address the new threats that occur on the Internet. The declaration is complemented by other initiatives of the European Commission to keep children safe and secure in the digital world.
It is an interesting initiative that we hope will be consolidated although The greatest challenge for parents remains to be attentive and pending to the wishes and needs of the children in their use of the Internet. And I also recommend reviewing the environment in which the child moves to know what concerns accompany him and thus anticipate unwanted situations.
