Illegal content fight gets €55m cash boost

The fight against illegal online content is set to get a massive cash injection following a vote yesterday in the European Parliament.

The vote mandated MEPs to adopt a proposal backing the next phase of the EU's Safer Internet plan, set to cost €55m.

The scheme, which will run from 2009 to 2013, aims to tackle "illegal content, promote a safer online environment, raise public awareness and establish a knowledge base for research purposes", according to the Parliament.

Some 48 per cent of the scheme's €55m budget is scheduled to go to public awareness; 34 per cent to fighting illegal content and tackling harmful conduct online; 10 per cent to "promoting a safer online environment" and eight per cent to setting up the European knowledge base.

The scheme will oversee national contact points for reporting illegal content and involving children in online safety initiatives.

MEPs also supported proposals that could create a 'child safe' label for web pages, as well as other software-based content filters.

The Safer Internet programme is expected to be formally approved by the end of this year.