Today, the European Commission proposed new EU legislation to protect children against sexual abuse, online and offline. The proposed rules require online platforms to better detect, report and remove child sexual abuse content.
Why new rules to protect children are necessary
85 million pictures and videos showing child sexual abuse were reported worldwide in 2021, many more go unreported. Child sexual abuse is pervasive, harmful to children and society. The new rules will safeguard children as internet companies move protection actions from voluntary to required by establishing:
- mandatory risk assessments
- targeted detection obligations (based on a detection order)
- stronger safeguards concerning detection
- clear reporting obligations
- effective removal of forbidden content
- lower risks of exposing children to grooming
- solid oversight mechanisms and judicial redress
An EU Centre to prevent and counter child sexual abuse
The proposed Regulation also establishes the EU Centre to prevent and counter child sexual abuse. The new Centre will assist online platforms with fulfilling the rules, be it reporting or deletion of forbidden content. It will also aid victims of abuse and act as a knowledge hub for best practices on prevention and the assistance to victims.
More information
- Proposal for a Regulation on preventing and combatting the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children
- Campaign website: Legislation to prevent and combat child sexual abuse
- Press release
- Questions and Answers: New rules to fight child sexual abuse
- Factsheet
Details
- Publication date
- 11 May 2022
- Author
- Directorate-General for Migration and Home Affairs