The issue of protecting children on the Internet is growing with Statistics showing that more and more children, often below 15 years old, are becoming recurrent users. This kind of users Cannot realize the danger of digital tools. Their gullibility can have unsafe consequences ; the most extreme cases reported are pedophilia cases where individuals create fake accounts in order to meet their victims, using the lack of attention concerning their data protection.
Last Tuesday, the European Digital Rights (EDRi), a civil and human rights international association focusing on « digital environment », published a brochure dedicated to children between 10 and 14: « Digital Defenders versus Data Intruders – Privacy for Kids ».
These guidelines target young internet users thanks to educational video games based on reality. The content shows different characters divided in two groups: the Defenders – the good guys – and the Intruders – the bad guys. Throughout 11 chapters, the Defenders deliver advices and explain how internet and other digital tools can be dangerous for privacy. Social networks, messaging, smartphone’s security, photos and videos sharing are explained.
It also explains the value of data for companies, how they can be stolen and the consequences of sharing data without any protection.
Several ‘tutorials’ are proposed, whether it is how to create a safe password or better secure your smartphone, they are simple and accessible. Finally, the 10th chapter makes a list of secured apps and digital tools, while the last one gives hands-one for Signal, and when and how to use it. This app guarantees that no one could access your personal data.
This initiative focusing on children currently only exists in English, translations in other languages are expected to follow shortly.
It is a new approach since guidelines are made for children and not for their parents: if they can chat and share by themselves, they need to be capable of protecting their data and their digital accounts; or at least, being able to understand the potential dangers of the Internet.
Emmanuelle Gris
To find out more:
EDRi’s website:
https://edri.org
« Digital Defenders versus Data Intruders – Privacy for Kids », EDRi:
https://edri.org/files/privacy4kids_booklet_web.pdf
Yesterday, EU leaders met to debate on long-term relations with Russia, on cooperation with third countries to reduce illegal migration and on the EU-Canada trade agreement (CETA).
Regarding migration, the first point on the agenda, the European Council remarked the importance of the European Border and Coast Guard Regulation in strengthening control of the external borders as well as internal border controls.
EU leaders called for a adoption of the revised Schengen Borders Code enforcing systematic controls on all travellers crossing EU external borders and called on the Council to establish its position on an entry/exit system before the end of 2016.
They stated that efforts had been made to strengthen illegal migration prevention along the Central Mediterranean route and to tighten control of the Eastern Mediterranean route.
They mentioned:
Regarding the second issue on the agenda, the European Council strongly condemned the attacks by the Syrian regime and its allies, notably Russia, on civilians in Aleppo.
“EU leaders are considering all available options, should the current atrocities continue. Everything should be done to extend the ceasefire, bring in humanitarian aid to the civilian population and create the conditions for opening negotiations on a political transition in Syria.” as yesterday press release states.
Today, the meeting chaired by Donald Tusk will discuss trade issues mainly aimed at trade policy benefitting from open markets, including the future of CETA agreement.
On World Statistics Day, Eurobarometer survey shows which are the European’s main concerns that the EU should prioritise.
The fight against terrorism should be the EU’s number one priority followed by action on unemployment, the fight against tax fraud, migration, the protection of external borders and the environment, according to the vast majority of people surveyed in a special Eurobarometer carried out by the European Parliament.
Terrorism is the highest threat to Europe and people expect the EU to act: 82% of Europeans want it to do more, while 69% consider its current measures to be insufficient.
Secondly, three in four Europeans (77%) want EU to do more regarding unemployment rates. Thomas Händel, the head of Parliament’s employment committee, urged EU leaders to “endeavour to ensure investment and high-quality, sustainable employment”.
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the European Parliament, 75% of all Europeans believe the EU should do more to fight tax fraud.
74% of Europeans want the EU to do more on the unprecedented influx of migrants over the last few years, according to the latest poll commissioned by the European Parliament. In addition two thirds of respondents said EU action on migration was insufficient.
Related to this issue, 71% of Europeans want the EU to do more to protect Schengen zone of free movement.
Finally, environment is something Europeans care deeply about: 67% of them would like to the EU to do more on environmental protection, according to a Eurobarometer survey commissioned by the European Parliament.