New Audiovisual and Information Services and the Protection of Children: The European Dimension

This information paper outlines how the interests of minors are dealt with in the European Union's (EU) embryonic policies for new audiovisual and information services, in the context of what has happened – and is currently happening – in broadcasting and telecommunications. It is written from the public interest and consumer perspective rather than that of the industries involved, with a particular concern that the major contribution that new, technology-based services can make to the mental and moral development of children should not be prejudiced by harmful and damaging content. The author also addresses the virtually complete neglect of the need to protect children from economic exploitation through the new technologies.In general, the momentum of EU policy to ensure free movement of services, combined with the practical problems of developing an effective international regulatory structure for the new trans-border technologies, suggests that there will be considerable technological and commercial pressures to relax existing provisions which aim to protect minors, while there will be major obstacles in the way of developing new legislative or regulatory measures. This is a pessimistic scenario for those concerned with the interests of children. Nevertheless, there are some opportunities, which are outlined in the final section of the paper.