eSafe programme 2003-2004 - Public Hearing on options & requirements

The European Commission is making preparations for implementing the
eSafe programme 2003-2004, the extension of the Safer Internet Action
Plan 1999-2002.

Subject to approval by the European Parliament and Council, the eSafe
Programme will provide funding for activities to deal with illegal and
harmful content on the Internet and new online technologies, as part
of a coherent approach by the European Union.

Actions proposed:
. setting up a European network of hot-lines
. encouraging self-regulation and codes of conduct
. benchmarking of filtering software and services
. encouraging user-friendly content rating
. raising awareness by setting up a European network

eSafe aims to strengthen European coordination in the Safer Internet
area: it will ensure more extensive interfacing with national
programmes and actions, improved exchange of information and best
practice between Member State activities as well as between the action
lines of the programme.

All those interested are invited to take part in a hearing which will
be held on:

27 and 28 November 2002

Glesener room, Wagner Building,
rue Alcide de Gasperi
Kirchberg, Luxembourg

Space is limited and registration will be confirmed on a first-come,
first-served basis. Only one representative per organisation will be
allowed. The Commission cannot reimburse travel costs.

Who should participate?

. government ministries and agencies responsible for Internet safety
and media education
. bodies currently involved in, or planning, Internet safety and media
education campaigns
. experts in public outreach and awareness campaigns including
press and media groups
. researchers on safer internet / media education
. child welfare bodies (public and private)
. consumer and family associations
. education providers (public, private, civil)
. youth organisations
. policy bodies and advocacy groups dealing with freedom of speech on
the Internet
. hotlines and organisations planning to set up hotlines
. self-regulatory bodies
. industry associations
. content providers
. intermediary service providers
. other people interested in safer internet issues

Participants from candidate countries are invited to join, as well as
Member States of the EEA (EU, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein).

The agenda is online at http://www.saferinternet.org/news/esafe_agenda.asp

The European Commission proposal for eSafe is online at
http://europa.eu.int/information_society/programmes/iap/programmes/
followup/index_en.htm

A consultation document is in the process of being finalised. It will
be published before the hearing at http://www.saferinternet.org, and
will be sent to registered participants.