EU launches Safer Internet Day

07-02-2006

by Ciara O'Brien

The European Union is trying to make the internet safer for users with a day devoted to raising online awareness.

For those who didn't know, 7 February is Safer Internet Day, promoting safer use of the internet and drawing users' attention to the skills required to use computers and the internet as safely as possible.

Part of a global drive to strive for a safer internet, the initiative is particularly aimed at children and younger internet users. It is also part of the EU's strategy to fight illegal and unwanted content online, the Safer Internet Plus Programme.

A series of events are planned for throughout the day, including a global blogging session, which has been organised by the EU's network for internet safety awareness, Insafe; the Internet Watch Foundation; and other organisations. It will include special postings from guests, with visitors from all over the world invited to post their comments. The blog will also be provided in a number of languages, and will move through the time zones.

With thousands of new blogs created every day, the use of the medium to promote online safety has been welcomed in many quarters.

"Blogs are a popular new way of communicating for young people for and all age groups, so it is appropriate that the Insafe network is using a blog on Safer Internet Day to show how using the internet can be enjoyable, and what young people need to remember when blogging," said Viviane Reding, European Commissioner for Information Society and Media, who is the patron of Safer Internet Day 2006.

The blogathon is not only designed to raise awareness about illegal activities, but also to draw users' attention to ways that they may inadvertently break the law, or to ethical and safety issues such as use of copyrighted material without permission, or posting personal information online.

Last year, some 65 organisations from 30 countries took part in Safer Internet Day. Activities included a story-telling competition for children, which has now seen a book published as a result.