EU member states will be able to block internet sites showing child pornography under rules expected to be introduced soon.
The European Parliament’s Civil Liberties Committee yesterday gave its nod to a number of European Commission proposals aimed at combating child sexual abuse, including harmonised criminal penalties across all member states.
According to the new rules, which still need to be approved by all 27 governments, child porno-graphy or child abuse material on the web must be removed at source in all EU countries. Where this is not possible, due to sites being hosted outside the EU, member states may still block the material in line with their national laws. To prevent abuse, the EP committee said national measures preventing access have to be transparent and provide adequate safeguards. The restriction must be limited to what is necessary and proportionate, and users have to be informed of the reason behind any restrictions.
Content providers and users also have to be informed of the chance to appeal, and to whom, under a judicial redress procedure.
Child abuse, particularly through the internet, is a growing problem across the EU and no real rules exist on how member states should intervene. The proposed EU directive to combat sexual abuse, sexual exploitation of children and child pornography will introduce tougher penalties across the EU for those who abuse or exploit children.
The proposal sets minimum penalties for 22 criminal offences but also allows member states to impose harsher measures and sentencing. Offenders will face penalties ranging from one to over 10 years in prison, depending on the crime. Since some 20 per cent of sex offenders go on to commit further offences after conviction, the committee introduced an amendment to the original proposal. It stipulates that convicted offenders “may be temporarily or permanently prevented from exercising professional activities involving direct and regular contact with children and volunteer activities related to the supervision or care of children”.
The directive will also introduce the right of employers to obtain information on any sex crime convictions when recruiting.
Member states may also take other measures, such as establishing sex offenders’ registers accessible to the judiciary or law enforcement agencies.
A clause on abuse by persons in a position of trust, authority or influence over the child (for instance, family members, guardians or teachers) is included and punishable under the new criminal offences. Higher sentences will also be imposed on anyone committing an offence involving children with a physical or mental disability, in a situation of dependence or under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
The Commission is aiming to conclude negotiations on this directive by the middle of the year.
(More stories from The Times in the news section)