Harmful content means both 1) content which is allowed but who distribution is restricted (adults only, for instance) and (2) content which may offend certain users, although its publication is not restricted because of the principle of freedom of expression.
The European Commission has identified the following areas for action: (1) promotion of self-regulation and creation of content-monitoring schemes, including a European network of "hot-lines" - centres to which Internet users can report suspect content; (2) effective filtering services and compatible rating systems, which take account of cultural and linguistic diversity; and (3) promotion of awareness actions directed at users, in particular children, parents and teachers, to enable safe and confident use.
2. In the area of illegal content, closer cooperation between industry and law enforcement authorities is needed.
3. Only hours after the Oklahoma City bombing, someone posted on the Internet directions -- including a diagram -- explaining how to construct a bomb of the type that was used in that tragic act of terrorism. Another Internet posting offered not only information concerning how to build bombs, but also instructions as to how the device used in the Oklahoma City bombing could have been improved.