Labour MEP calls for Europol action on online child abuse

The report called on Europol and member states to employ white hat hackers, computer security experts who hack into systems to uncover illegal or unethical behaviour

The MEP, a member of the Socialist and Democratic Party, said that measures against online child abuse need to address encryption and anonymisation
The MEP, a member of the Socialist and Democratic Party, said that measures against online child abuse need to address encryption and anonymisation

European Parliament has voted in favour of enforcing Europol action on online child abuse.

The report, negotiated by Labour MEP Miriam Dalli, calls on Europol to create an online anonymous child abuse reporting system.

European Parliament also insisted that member states check Internet Service Providers (ISPs), where child pornography or abuse can remain even after online pictures are deleted.

The report guided a number of proposals of the European Commission’s Cyber Security strategy.

“Criminal activity and cyber security know no bounds, therefore, I want to make sure that the report considers technological, judicial and criminal aspects,” Dalli said.

Technological changes such as encryption and anonymisation have changed the criminal game, increasing the likelihood that perpetrators remain unnoticed.

“But it is important to recognise that without this kind of technology we wouldn’t be able to sent private and secure emails, or use bank systems,” Dalli insisted.

The report also calls for greater security on sensitive infrastructure such as smart grids, calling on the authorities to employ white hat hackers, or people who hack into systems to find illegalities.