Ref. Ares(2016)1160160 - 07/03/2016
LAUNCH OF THE EU INTERNET FORUM
BRUSSELS, 3 DECEMBER 2015
Recent terrorist attacks and attempted attacks have brought into sharper focus how terrorist
groups are using the internet to radicalise, recruit, communicate, direct terrorist activity and
use as a medium to glorify their atrocities.
At this time of heightened terrorist threat, a coordinated approach is required between the
EU institutions, bodies, Member States and the internet industry to urgently address the abuse
of the internet and social media for terrorist purposes.
Against this backdrop, EU Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship
Dimitris Avramopoulos, in cooperation with EU Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and
Gender Equality, Věra Jourová, today launched the EU Internet Forum, bringing together EU
Interior Ministers as well as a number of internet companies, Europol, and the EU Counter
Terrorism Co-ordinator.
Discussions focused on how to further improve collaborations already undertaken and how
EU institutions, agencies, Member States and companies can upscale their efforts to protect
the public. Participants agreed on the following common objectives that will guide future
action in tackling abuse on the internet, whilst fully safeguarding fundamental rights, such as
freedom of expression.
Restricting availability of content that promotes terrorism or incites violence;
Supporting and increasing effective counter-narratives online and promoting media in
cooperation with civil society partners.
Participants also discussed specific actions to implement these objectives. The need to
enhance efforts and capabilities was agreed by all participants. Participants agreed that
progress on the objectives must be tangible and swift.
Participants took note that the work being undertaken within the framework of the Digital
Single Market Strategy, will feed into the works of the Forum.
Further workshops will be organised on specific topics and measures in the course of 2016
with the participation of Member States, companies, EU Agencies, and other relevant
national and international stakeholders. Representatives of civil society will be invited on a
case-by-case basis. The workshops will address the practical implementation of the common
objectives and related actions and advise the Forum on other relevant initiatives, including in
the area of hate speech online. All agreed it was important to maximise synergies and join
efforts, develop mutual learning and avoid overlaps.
Participants also agreed to meet again in the course of 2016 to assess progress made in the
implementation of actions discussed at the Forum and of other relevant initiatives.
Objective 1: Restricting availability of content that promotes terrorism or incites violence
.
Objective 2: Supporting and increasing effective counter-narratives online and promoting
media in cooperation with civil society partners: