In the second quarter of 2018, the Communications Regulatory Authority of the Republic of Lithuania (hereinafter referred to as the “RRT”) received 832 reports on illegal or harmful content on the Internet via their internet hotline. Internet users submitted reports regarding online information related to incitement of hatred on the grounds of race or nationality, pornography, sexual exploitation of children, violence or bullying, drug distribution and unauthorised disclosure of personal information. Compared to the second quarter of 2017 (when 189 reports were received), the number of reports increased by more than four times. Following an investigation, further actions were taken in 196 cases:
- 10 reports were forwarded to the Police Department for further investigation. Illegal content was suspected on a number of Lithuanian servers.
- 16 reports were forwarded to the Lithuanian Office of the Inspector of Journalist Ethics for further investigation. Suspicious information negatively affecting minors was identified.
- 77 reports of images of child sexual abuse were forwarded to hotlines in other countries, which are members of the INHOPE (International Association of Internet Hotlines).
- 93 reports were forwarded to internet service providers in different countries, website owners and social network managers with a Notice and Take Down mark concerning illegal online content found on their websites or networks in order for it to be removed as soon as possible (including 65 reports addressed to Facebook administrators regarding possible distribution of narcotic substances (cannabis) on the social network).
No further action was taken regarding the remaining reports as they notified the RRT of content that was not harmful or illegal in accordance with the Lithuanian laws, was posted on servers of foreign countries where such content is not considered illegal, was unavailable (for example, password protected, published in private closed groups, etc.) or not found (content removed or link inactive). For example, Facebook does not prohibit sharing information on the cultivation and use of one of narcotic substances (cannabis) for medical purposes while strictly prohibiting information on its distribution, purchase and sale.
RRT specialists also provided 85 consultations to social network users regarding removal of unauthorised personal or harmful information, recovering hacked accounts and setting up appropriate security and privacy options on social networks.
RRT reminds that as of 1 September 2017, amendments to the Law on Education of the Republic of Lithuania, which regulates the procedure for the submission and processing of reports on bullying in cyberspace and other prohibited or restricted dissemination of public information, and the procedure for the elimination of such information, entered into force. The new regulations state that having learned about a case of public bullying in cyberspace, parents (guardians, caretakers) of an under-age student who experienced violence must, while others have a right to, report it to the RRT. In the second quarter of 2018, the RRT received 15 reports of bullying in cyberspace. In 14 cases the information was confirmed and appropriate actions were taken. In addition, as before, all internet users are encouraged to report illegal (forbidden to publish) or harmful (having negative impact on minors) content to the Internet hotline. Its new address is htts://pranesk.draugiskasinternetas.lt/EN. Reports can be submitted anonymously.
Updated on 2018-07-30