Cyberethics: Cyprus Safer Internet Center
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CyberEthics concerns the safe use of Internet in Cyprus, and serves the needs of all people that live on the island (i.e., also Turkish Cypriots and other minorities) addressing not only issues of pornography, but also racism (currently on the rise in Cyprus), gender discrimination and inappropriate use of peoples’ images.
Overall Objective
Thus the European Union has developed specialized projects for the awareness of the youth and the general public, on how to use the Internet safely and what ways are available for the protection of the dangers. In Cyprus the Awareness Node for Safer Internet is called CyberEthics. The awareness Node CyberEthics works under the Cyprus Neuroscience and Technology Institute in collaboration with the University of Cyprus (Department of Social and Political Science), the Cyprus Broadcasting Corporation, the Family Planning Association and the Olive Branch Foundation. The awareness node aims to inform educators, parents, children and the general public about the dangers of the Internet and how one can “surf” safely.
Specific Objectives
In addition to the awareness campaign, a Hotline was created, the CyberEthics Hotline, with CYTA as main partner. The main role of this Hotline is to provide a contact point for the users who wish for the removal of illegal content by criminal prosecution. It accepts complaints concerning content which users may come across on the internet by using the Hotline website, telephone, letter etc. The Hotline officials along with CYTA’s special technicians will examine the complaints and they will proceed with the relevant actions for reporting it to the authorities and for further examination. The identification of the users who file a complaint is strictly confidential.
