On this page you will find some information about how to treat illegal content on the internet.

Please note that you can look up safety awareness material in our Resource Repository

You can also consult our thematic dossiers on: Social networking, Gaming, Mobile phones. Media literacy, Cyberbullying, e-Privacy

Should you have any comments/problems mail us at : insafe-press@eun.org

Safety risks are much the same wherever we are – at school or home, in the shopping centre or playground, or on internet. The problem with internet and other online technology however, is that we can’t see the person at the other end of the communication. So we have to fine-tune other competencies and skills to compensate by developing what we call information literacy. Strangely enough, many people who wouldn’t dream of leaving their doors or windows unlocked at home simply throw precaution to the wind when they are online.

The definition of illegal content varies from country to country as it relies on national legislation. The differences between what is illegal and what is harmful is at the forefront of every assessment performed by the hotline. To assist internet users in reporting illegal content, below is a list of some of the most common types of illegal content found on the internet:

• Child pornography images and websites
  
• Illegal activity in chat rooms (e.g. grooming)
  
• Online hate & xenophobia websites
  

What can I do to safeguard against harmful content?

Respect warning messages displayed by Service Provides to protect users e.g. age restrictions in chat rooms, legal provisions when you are using your credit card online or giving private information. Safety guidelines are written to protect users- read and follow them. The best solution is to act prudently.

INHOPE is the International Association of Internet Hotlines and was founded in 1999 under the EC Safer Internet Action Plan. At the moment there are INHOPE hotlines in 23 countries around the world and new members are joining all the time. If your country is not listed, but you think you know where the website is hosted, please report to the hotline in that country instead. Your hotline will conduct a full investigation on the content and take the necessary action in line with national legislation.