Social networking and new online technologies have triggered the development of flexible communication tools across the spectrum of work, life and culture. At the same time, however, the growth of digital society has given rise to potentially harmful or illegal content and activities, exposing Internet users to substantial risk. These opportunities and challenges touch upon questions of a user’s fundamental rights, of which regulatory approaches might be applicable,and of how international and EU co-operation might proceed.
On 6 March, the European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) will host a high-level conference to examine such questions, addressing the safe and responsible use of the Internet by European civil society. Aiming to attract about 150 participants, this full-day event will offer a timely debate between organised civil society, EU and national policy-makers, academics and key stakeholders from the ICT industry, including:
Anna Maria Darmanin, Vice-President of the EESC
Senator Catherine Noone, Fine Gael Senate spokesperson for Arts and Culture
Peter Hustinx, European Data Protection Supervisor
Amalia Andersdotter, MEP
Cornelia Kutterer, Director of Regulatory Policy, Microsoft EMEA
Margaret Tuite, European Co-ordinator for the Rights of the Child, European Commission Directorate-General Justice
Joe McNamee, Director, European Digital Rights (EDRI)
Melina Violari, Policy & Privacy Manager, Facebook
Madalin Dumitru, Chief Executive Officer, Cyber Smart Security
