EP called for intensified efforts against child sexual abuse on Internet

USPA NEWS - The European Parliament has called for intensified efforts against child sexual abuse on the Internet, prosecute offenders, protect children who are victims and eliminate illegal content network. MEPs remembered that European data protection reform includes changes to protect the rights of minors.

Over 80% of the victims are children under 10 years. According to the resolution adopted by the European Parliament, by 606 votes in favor, 4 against and 67 abstentions, to combat sexual exploitation of children and child abuse images, a comprehensive approach covering crime investigation is necessary, the prosecution of offenders, protection of victims and prevention kids.

Parliament stresses that any illegal content must be removed immediately and notified authorities. MEPs emphasize the role of ICT, Internet service providers and Internet hosting providers to ensure fast and efficient removal "at the request of the authority responsible for security". Europol and national security agencies, says the EP, must secure the necessary funds, human resources, skills and research techniques to "pursue seriously and effectively investigate and prosecute offenders". In this sense, we must develop new high-tech capabilities to meet the challenges of analyzing large amounts of images of child abuse, including hidden materials in the "dark web".

The adopted resolution underlines that personal data online minors must be properly protected and must inform an easy way risks and consequences of using their online data. The forthcoming reform of data protection include material to better protect the rights of minors in the network change. Also, awareness campaigns responsible behavior in social networks will increase and prevention programs sexual abuse are created by Internet to empower children, parents and educators in understanding and managing the risks of the network. Should also implement emergency telephone numbers to enable children anonymously report abuse.

For the EU countries that have not yet implemented Directive 2011 on combating the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography in national legislation are urged to do so, since more than half still have to implement it in full, according to the resolution. International cooperation and transnational research should be intensified, says the EP, as these crimes extend hundreds of countries with different jurisdictions and security agencies. MEPs welcome the joint initiative of the EU and 55 countries for the formation of the Global Alliance Against Child Sexual Abuse on the Internet. This aims to rescue more victims, ensuring the most efficient processing and raise awareness.