The Malta Communications Authority, which is responsible for the regulation of the telecommunications sector and the advancement of a digital society, said today that it had no remit to intervene in matters relating to online content, including any activity that emerged from social media.

The MCA said that, however, a number of online activities such as child pornography, bullying, grooming, fraud and incitement to racial hatred were subject to legal proceedings.

In such cases, the police could seek relevant traffic information to support criminal investigations and in particular circumstances, they could also request the blocking or closure of a particular site. This approach was adopted across Europe. Internet Service Providers were obliged by law to take such steps if so instructed by police.

The authority said, however, that not all online activities that could be considered harmful to minors constituted a criminal offence.

“Activities that might not be categorised as illegal, such as internet overuse, overwhelming peer pressure, the consumption of inappropriate content and disrespectful online behaviour, must be addressed by educating parents and minors, as well as other adults that interact with minors on a regular basis,” it said.

The authority encouraged parents and other adults to take a more active role in the online wellbeing of minors by seeking to learn more and to utilise the services of Aġenzija Appoġġ namely Helpline 179 where they could forward queries or seek support. Illegal content concerning minors could also be reported on childwebalert.gov.mt .

Appogg also runs an online support service in partnership with Agenzija Zghazagh, SOS Malta and the Salesians of Don Bosco, offering young people online support on a host of issues, including cyber bullying.

This service is available at www.Kellimni.com and is also accessible through Facebook.