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[Strasbourg, 7 February 2006] - On the occasion of the "Safer Internet Day", a European initiative to promote a safer Internet for all users, especially young people and children, Maud de Boer-Buquicchio, Deputy Secretary General, joins the voice of the Council of Europe to those of more than 96 organisations in 36 countries across the world which will be celebrating this Day. In this context, the Deputy Secretary General calls on Council of Europe member states to encourage the exercise of, and respect for, human rights on the Internet, such as freedom of expression and respect for human dignity. "We need to ensure that all users are educated about how to behave responsibly and safely on the Internet" says the Deputy Secretary General. "Through information and learning, we can become more active and positively critical about using the Internet, and we will be better equipped to help protect those around us who are more vulnerable". The Council of Europe Handbook on Internet Literacy is an excellent resource in helping to understand the language of the Internet as well as its positive and negative trends, such as blogging and zombie computers. The Handbook also offers tips for sound and safe use of several features of the Internet including online games, chat, newsgroups, world-wide libraries and much more. "Moreover, I urge those countries which have not yet done so to ratify without delay the Council of Europe Convention on cybercrime. Its provision against child pornography on the Internet criminalises various aspects of the electronic production, possession and distribution of child pornography and is instrumental to ensure that the Internet remains a great opportunity for all and is not a place for criminals", says the Deputy Secretary General. For more information see: Website of the Media Division
Council of Europe Handbook on Internet Literacy
Internet Safety Awareness Network (INSAFE)
Safer Internet Day Blogathon
EU Safer Internet Programme
Council of Europe Cybercrime Convention and http://www.coe.int/T/E/Com/Files/Themes/Cybercrime/default.asp