29 companies are taking part in a self-regulatory exercise to make the internet a better and safer place for kids
The European Commission presented the results of joint commitments from media, technology, telecoms and online companies to make the internet a better and safer place for kids. Among others, all devices (including smartphones, tablets, computers and games consoles) could be equipped with parental control tools and screens with simple tools for users to report harmful content and contact.
On the Safer Internet Day 2013 celebrated on 5th February, the Commission presented the results of joint work of media, technology, telecoms and online companies undertaken since their December 2011 commitment to make the internet a better and safer place for kids. These 29 leading companies involved in this self-regulatory exercise have reported on how they will collectively set a new benchmark for child protection online. In November 2012, the EU and the US also commit to make together the Internet a safer and better place for children.
As a result of their commitments, all devices (including smartphones, tablets, computers and games consoles) could be equipped with parental control tools and screens with simple tools for users to report harmful content and contact. The industry is also working to ensure that parents are aware of, and make use of, these tools. In addition, best practices have been established in terms of age-appropriate privacy settings and effective take down of child abuse material. The Commission also states as very promising the commitments received on technology tools to promote wider use of content classification.
Commitments will be deployed during 2013. According to the Commission, company statements show that the coalition has delivered concrete improvements for children, such as tools to report online abuse or bullying are gradually becoming universal. Some companies are going one step further and cooperating with hotlines, for instance Telefónica, Vodafone, KPN's Meldknop or applications like SecondFriend available on Google. Facebook has developed the Support Dashboard which enables staff to better follow up on reports of abuse or content which violates Facebook community standards and for users to see what action is being taken in response.