Our actions
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Internet governance
The Internet has a tremendous impact on societies all over the world. According to ComScore Networks, in 1999 there were 300 million internet users. This number reached 2 billion in 2011.
The Council of Europe strives for Internet governance which
is guided by the values of democracy, human rights and the
rule of law. It works to minimise risks of the misuse of
the Internet but also to maximise the potential of the
Internet to improve the quality of life, including of
disabled persons.
The Council of Europe contributes to accessible, affordable,
secure, reliable, sustainable and continuously available
Internet services. It seeks to protect freedom of expression and
the free circulation of information on the Internet,
balancing them, where necessary, with other legitimate
rights and interests.
The Council of Europe’s action in this field is based on
conventions and innovative tools aimed at combating
cybercrime, protecting children from harmful Internet
content, preventing cyberterrorism, protecting consumers
from counterfeit medicines and medical products as well as
promoting e-democracy and full participation of people with
disabilities in society – both offline and online.
