

Apple, BSkyB, Dailymotion, Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Netlog, Nintendo, Nokia, Research In Motion, Samsung and Vodafone have all signed up to the initiative, which aims to improve content for children and create a safer online environment. According to the Commission, 75 percent of European children, a third of them on mobile phones, use the Internet. Currently, different national approaches across the E.U.'s 27 member states mean that children have different levels of empowerment and protection online.

The strategy also includes mechanisms to report harmful content and conduct online, transparent default age-appropriate privacy settings and the use of innovative technical solutions by police investigating child sexual abuse material online. (Jennifer Baker for PC World)