NEWS: Declaration of the Committee of Ministers on protecting the dignity, security and privacy of children on the Internet (CoE)

Declaration of the Committee of Ministers on protecting the dignity, security and privacy of children on the Internet

(Adopted by the Committee of Ministers on 20 February 2008 at the 1018th meeting of the Ministers’ Deputies)

The Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe,

Recalling the fundamental right to freedom of expression and to receive and impart information and ideas without interference by public authorities and regardless of frontiers, as guaranteed by Article 10 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms (European Convention on Human Rights – ETS No. 5);

Recalling the 1989 United Nations Convention of the Rights of the Child, in particular the inherent right for children to dignity, to special protection and care as is necessary for their well-being, to protection against all forms of discrimination or arbitrary or unlawful interference with their privacy and to unlawful attacks on their honour and reputation;

Convinced that the well-being and best interests of children are fundamental values shared by all member states, which must be promoted without any discrimination;

Convinced that the Internet is an important tool for children’s everyday activities, such as communication, information, knowledge, education and entertainment;

Concerned however by the enduring presence of content created by children which can be damaging to their dignity, security, privacy and honour both now and in the future as adults;

full text of the declaration