Belgian study points to dangers caused by convergence A study published by CRIOC in Belgium of the use of new technology by young people shows the extent that internet use has penetrated everyday life. It also warns of possible dangers faced by them: manipulation, questionable commercial practices...

In particular, the survey points to specific problems in the field of protection of minors of age which must be addressed:

• Respect of the commercial practices, among others in regard to abuse, purchases, over-billing, spam (postal pollution), the responsibility of the information mediators (among others of the exchange websites), guarantees with regard to the third person of confidence, protection of the purchases online and the means of payment.
• Respect for privacy, among others with regard to prior consent, the systematic collection and use of addresses that were collected without free, specific and informed consent of the concerned internet users.
• Publicity practices, among others new techniques like the viral marketing.
• Respect for the right to information and to private copies.
• Addiction to gaming/gambling