The Czech Republic is coming under scrutiny for its insufficient measures to protect children from online risks, particularly concerning sexual abuse. Klára Šimáčková Laurenčíková, the government’s human rights commissioner, has raised concerns about the country’s approach and emphasized the need for a comprehensive strategy that combines technical solutions with proactive prevention measures. These remarks were made during a seminar on addressing child sexual violence in the Chamber of Deputies.

Laurenčíková emphasized the importance of prevention and called for the inclusion of comprehensive prevention strategies in the education system, starting from preschools. She acknowledged the shortcomings of the current system and advocated for a holistic approach that respects privacy rights while effectively safeguarding children.

One of the criticisms came from Marcel Kolaja, a member of the European Parliament from the Pirate Party, who raised concerns about potential privacy infringements under the European Commission’s proposed regulations. He argued that mandatory algorithm-based monitoring of all online communication, including encrypted content, would impose a significant burden on internet service providers and estimated the associated costs to be around 27.5 million euros.

Experts participating in the discussion highlighted the limitations of algorithms in accurately identifying inappropriate content and expressed doubts about the effectiveness of monitoring all online communication. They suggested that offenders would likely seek alternative channels to continue their activities. Veronika Andrtová from the Children’s Crisis Center stressed the urgency of catching up with children’s online lives, even at the elementary school level, and emphasized the need for accessible support systems.

The urgency of the issue is further highlighted by a 2020 survey in the Czech Republic, which revealed that over one-third of children between the ages of 12 and 16 were exposed to sexually explicit content online. Additionally, the survey found that a concerning nine percent of them had sent such content to others. Experts also warned about the increasing involvement of children in directly publishing explicit material, with some children as young as eight or nine years old.

Vladimír Lukáš, Director of the Criminal Police and Investigation Service of the Czech Republic, emphasized the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in proving online criminal offenses. He stressed the importance of monitoring communication related to harmful content to provide context and enhance the effectiveness of evaluating potential criminal charges.

Addressing the inadequate protection of children online requires a comprehensive and balanced approach that incorporates technical solutions, prevention measures, and support systems. It is crucial for the Czech Republic to address these concerns and take proactive steps to ensure the safety and well-being of children in the digital realm.

Article by Prague Forum