The Internet has radically transformed the way we access information and communicate - creating new opportunities for strengthening democracy.

Unfortunately it can also be used to restrict human rights and to commit crimes. Revelations on mass online surveillance and regular reports on abuses of the rights to privacy and free expression clearly show the need to effectively protect human rights on the net. The Council of Europe works with governments, the private sector, civil society and other actors to shape the Internet as a safe and open environment where freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association, diversity, culture and education can flourish.

Internet Literacy Handbook  - This tool now provides an even richer source of quality information for children, parents, teachers and policy makers of the 47 member states to be able to make the most of the Internet and to prepare future generations to use the Internet safely and confidently.

 

Through the Wild Web Woods - An online game for children set in a fun, fairy tale environment.

Terms of service and human rights: an analysis of online platform contracts

The finding of this report demonstrate just how difficult it can be for Internet users to understand and thereby consent to the terms of service of online platforms in order to make fully informed decisions on issues which affect their human rights such as content restriction policies and processing of personal data.

The Council of Europe has released the Guide to human rights of internet users, designed as a tool to: be used by individuals and to be relied upon when facing difficulties in exercising their rights; help governments and public institutions to discharge their obligations to protect, respect and remedy human rights; be a kick-starter for national discussions on protection and promotion of human rights of internet users and their empowerment in internet environments; promote corporate social responsibility by encouraging the private sector to act responsibly and with respect for the human rights of individuals that they contract with. It exists in several languages. 

The Guide was developed with broad multi-stakeholder consultation with governments, private companies from the telecommunications and online service providers sectors, civil society organisations, and representatives of the technical community and academia. It is based on existing human rights contained in the European Convention on Human Rights and other Council of Europe conventions and legal texts, as well as on certain interpretations of these rights by the European Court of Human Rights.

 Learn more about the Guide

 

"Everyone has the right to freedom of expression"

Art. 10 European Convention on Human Rights