The internet provides a previously unimaginable level of access to information about people's private lives, which unfortunately, can be abused by companies, intelligence services or even identity thieves. The European Parliament has issued a report highlighting actions against cybercriminals, but also ensuring guarantees for fundamental rights and privacy for internet users.

Companies, governments, police and even criminals, are increasingly seeking the greatest possible access to citizens' private data. Clearly the internet can be used as an excellent tool for accessing information and allowing connections between individuals and communities all over the world.  However, it also has its dangers as it can expose users to surveillance, or even serve as a tool for criminals or terrorists.  The main advantage and disadvantage of the internet is that it transcends almost all borders.

In order to fight against cybercrime and preserve the rights of internet users, the European Parliament has adopted a report with 481 votes in favour, 25 against and 21 abstentions, which contains main recommendations of MEPs towards those issues.

There are, in fact, a number of fundamental rights which are affected by the internet, including respect for private life, data protection, freedom of speech and association, freedom of press, political expression and participation, non-discrimination and education.  The report calls on Member States to protect these rights by making use of existing national, regional, and international law, and to exchange best practices amongst themselves.

Parliament urges Member States to update legislation on children protection for a safer use of the Internet, in particular in order to criminalise grooming (online solicitation of children for sexual purposes), as defined in the Council of Europe Convention of October 25th 2007 on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse. This issues has been one of the most relevant elements in which the the Safer Internet Programme is based.

Fighting against “e-illiteracy”

MEPs are also concerned with the idea that "e-illiteracy will be the new illiteracy of the 21st Century". The report argues that in this age, having access to the internet is "equivalent to ensuring that all citizens have access to schooling", and that this access should not be denied by governments or private companies.

The report recognises that given "the global and open nature of the Internet", international standards for data protection, security and freedom of speech are required.  MEPs call on Member States and the Commission to draw up a series of regulations to protect the privacy of internet users.
 
The nature of the internet also means that it is open to abuse.  As the report highlights, it has been used as a platform for violent messages, as well as for websites which can specifically incite hate-based criminal acts. Cybercrime, in general has also increased, and internet users are at risk of identity theft, if they transmit their personal details across the internet without a minimum level of protection.  Therefore, the House calls on the Council and Commission to develop a "comprehensive strategy to combat cybercrime, identity theft and fraud.
 
Finally, the report raises the question of consent of internet users, when giving personal information to governments or private companies, and the imbalance of negotiating power between users and institutions.  In relation to this, MEPs stress the importance of internet users being able to retain the right to permanently delete any of their personal details saved on "internet websites or on any third party data storage medium."