Council of Europe Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI)

The Steering Committee on Media and Information Society (CDMSI) was established by the Committee of Ministers in its Resolution No. 24 of 2011, in accordance with Article 17 (intergovernmental bodies) of the Statute of the Council of Europe. The CDMSI guides the work of the Council of Europe in matters relating to freedom of expression, media, internet governance and the information society. As stated in the Council of Europe's Internet Governance Strategy, the organization considers an ideal internet to be one in which the principles laid down by the Council of Europe prevail, with particular regard to human rights, pluralistic democracy, and the rule of law. The CoE and the CDMSI want an internet that strengthens Europe's cultural identity and diversity, offers solutions to the challenges facing European societies, and contributes to the stability of European democracies. One of the objectives is to make the internet people-centered and accessible to all. The internet allows an unprecedented number of people to share their thoughts, communicate information, and gather spontaneously. Protecting the internet is essential to upholding the principles set out in Articles 10 and 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights, but alongside these freedoms, it is also important to provide citizens with adequate information so that they can use the services offered by the internet responsibly. The protection of personal rights and personal data is essential for people to trust the internet.

The CDMSI focuses on providing appropriate guidance to state and nonstate actors so that they can exploit the opportunities offered by digital technology while maximizing the principle of freedom of expression. The CDMSI is assisted in its work by three expert groups. The Media Environment and Reform (MSI-REF), Freedom of Expression and Digital Technologies (MSI-DIG), and Combating Hate Speech (ADI/MSI-DIS) expert groups assist the CDMSI in its work by preparing draft recommendations and guidelines.