Safer Internet

Since August 2005, the non-governmental Applied Research and Communications Fund has being operating the Bulgarian Hotline - http://web112.net, co-funded by the European Commission within the framework of the Safer Internet Programme. It aims to create conditions for receiving reports for illegal and harmful for children content and conduct online and is now integrated into the portal website of the Safer Internet Centre. The Hotline operates under the supervision of a Public Council on Safer Internet Use in Bulgaria. This council was established by representatives of government institutions, major ISPs and NGOs in 2006. It provides a coordination platform for the various stakeholders involved in limiting the distribution of harmful and illegal content and protecting the rights of users, particularly those of children. From October 2006 the Bulgarian Hotline is a member of the International Association of Internet Hotlines INHOPE.

In June 2008, under the he EU Safer Internet Program, ARC Fund established the Bulgarian Safer Internet Centre (awareness node) – www.safenet.bg, which is responsible for implementing campaigns, coordinating actions, developing synergy at the national level and working in close co-operation with all relevant actors at European, regional and local level. The Centre is member of the European network of Awareness Centres INSAFE. In April 2011, the national helpline to respond to the questions and concerns of young people linked to their experiences online or the harmful or illegal online content they encounter – www.helpline.bg was established.It is also now integrated into the portal website Safenet.bg.

Project components are operated by ARC Fund in consortium with Association Roditeli (Parents), and DeConi Advertising Agency.