Internet Roundtable for Child Protection

The Internet Roundtable for Child Protection was established by President of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority Hungary Monika Karas, using her powers granted by Article 4 of Act CVIII of 2001 on Certain issues of electronic commercial services and information society-related services.

The objective of the 21-member advisory body supporting NMHH’s president is to promote protection for minors on the internet. Within that context, the advisory body develops opinions and recommendations for promoting children-friendly internet use, including the effective use of filter software and improving the media awareness of children and parents alike. The body is not bestowed with powers to craft mandatory legislation, but it can become a key player in media regulation through self-regulation and the promotion of best practices. The panel also has powers to examine individual cases. Anyone who encounters a breach of child protection considerations by content providers through the dissemination of information that may severely impair the mental or psychological development of minors by portraying cruel violence or explicit sexual content is encouraged to contact the Roundtable.

The roundtable held its inaugural meeting on 12 March 2014. Pursuant to the relevant legislative provisions, President of the NMHH Monika Karas has appointed two members and the President of the body based on her own nomination, eight members each based on the nominations of child protection and online market trade associations, two based on the recommendation of the Ministry of National Development in charge of IT. The President of the Roundtable and twenty members are appointed for a three-year mandate and will not receive any remuneration for their work.