Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2008/10/24/eu_cybercrimefighting_system/

EU to stock internet criminal database

Alert platform targets child porn

By Austin Modine

Posted in Legal, 24th October 2008 18:27 GMT

European Union members agreed today to create a common alert platform for reporting illegal activities on the Internet.

The system will be used to share information about those suspected of cybercrime with authorities in each of the 27 EU nations. Its goal is to prevent illegal website operators from fleeing to another EU country undetected.

"The Internet can be used for crime all over the globe so the response has to be global," French Interior Minister Michele Alliot-Marie said in a press conference.

EU's criminal intelligence agency Europol will establish and host the system. It will also run a web site where the public can report illegal content.

The European Commission pledged €300,000 (~£239,300, $379,700) to the project, which authorities say will primarily be used to coordinate information on child pornography offenses.

The EU will help fund member states in creating national alert platforms, which will link to the central European alert system.

Details on the scheme will be arranged at the next meeting of Interior ministers beginning November 27. ®