3.2 Self- and co-regulatory measures

🎯 Are non-binding measures as effective as laws? 

The industry favours self-regulation (voluntary agreement on the part of the industry) and co-regulation (a combination of government and private regulation), which is considered an effective approach. Although these are often non-binding, they have produced good results in protecting children from online harm.

For example, internet service providers (ISPs) may voluntarily provide for notice-and-takedown measures and may also filter certain types of illegal content, while social media platforms can set minimum age requirements for children.

A good working relationship between the industry and law enforcement, including clearly defined processes and protocols for working together, is also important. In 2008, the Council of Europe published its Guidelines for cooperation between law enforcement and ISPs against cybercrime which are still applicable today. 
In 2020, the Five Country governments (Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the UK, and the USA) in consultation with six tech companies (Google, Microsoft, Twitter, TikTok, Facebook, and Roblox), and other experts, launched a Voluntary Principles to Counter Online Child Sexual Exploitation and Abuse for companies to implement.