The Official Journal of the European Union has published on February 19th 2009, the Communication made by the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions regarding the final evaluation of the implementation of the multiannual Community Programme on promoting safer use of the Internet and new online technologies, the so-called Safer Internet Plus Programme (COM(2009) 64 final).

The objective of the Safer Internet Plus Programme was to promoter safer use of the Internet and new online technologies, particularly for children, as well as fighting against illegal content and content unwanted by the end-user. The programme ran over a four-year period from January 1st 2005 to December 31st 2008 with a reference budget of 45 M€. This Programme was extended for the period 2009-2013 by the new Safer Internet Programme on protecting children using the Internet and other communication technologies.

Safer Internet Plus 2005-2008: main implementation action lines

• Fighting against illegal content.
• Tackling unwanted and harmful content.
• Promoting a safer environment.
• Awareness-raising.

The main mechanism for implementing the programme has been the co-financing of projects selected on the basis of public calls for proposals. This has resulted in a wide range of projects being funded under the various action lines, complemented by non-funded activities as appropriate.

The evaluation assessed the following specific issues:

• Relevance of the programme's objectives, priorities and means of implementation.
• The effectiveness of the programme.
• Achievements, impact, sustainability and complementarity with other initiatives within and external to the European Union, as well as with national initiatives.

Key findings on Safer Internet Plus 2005-2008 Programme

• The Commission has been able to adapt the priorities of the programme to respond to changing challenges and needs and that the programme has managed successfully to ensure that the themes and actions are relevant to the dynamic social and technological environment within which it operates.
• The management of the programme has been efficient and effective. There are hotlines and awareness nodes in almost all members states, a number of thematic networks have been established, and work is continuing on developing technical solutions in areas such as image recognition.
• The management of the programme has been efficient and effective. There are hotlines and awareness nodes in almost all members states, a number of thematic networks have been established, and work is continuing on developing technical solutions in areas such as image recognition.
• The expansion of the two networks to cover virtually the whole European area as well as countries further afield is an undoubted achievement. The INSAFE network has grown from a coverage of 21 countries in 2006 to 34 countries in 2008. The INHOPE network has had a similar growth, with 13 members joining during the period of the programme, bringing the total membership to 33.
• Successful work has been undertaken in the area of fostering dialogue within and between different sectors, and in encouraging the mobile phone industry in its efforts to adopt effective self-regulatory mechanisms on protecting minors.
• In terms of the impact of the programme the consistent approach and messages across Europe are an important factor for the high level of success of the programme. However, the visibility of the programme would be enhanced by greater online and offline presence and promotion.
• The sustainability of the programme itself is robust. It is, however, important to monitor the function of the networks to ensure that the model is still the most appropriate one.
• The programme offers complementarity with a range of initiatives within and external to the EU as well as with national initiatives within most member states, particularly with regard to fighting illegal content, promoting media literacy and affirming children's rights.
• There is a clear emphasis among stakeholders on the importance of the programme as a catalyst for international and national involvement.

As a general conclusion, the report point out that the programme has been successful in achieving the stated objectives as set out in the original Programme Decision and in subsequent annual work programmes. It has contributed to achieving a safer Internet through a range of interventions and produced a significant impact and influence. Feedback from stakeholders shows clear appreciation of the programme, particularly the knowledge sharing opportunities which it provides, and in emphasizing the importance of the work continuing.