Legal Working Group

This working group is chaired by Eurojust and has members drawn from law enforcement, lawyers and NGOs. The aim of the working group is to identify legal restrictions that prevent co-operation between law enforcement, the private sector and NGOs, concerning the production and commercial distribution of child sexual abuse images on the internet. The working group also seeks to identify the main differences in criminal legislation of the Member States in this field and identify how and to what extent information may be exchanged between law enforcement and non-law enforcement bodies.

Members

Terms of Reference

Aims

  1. Identify the main differences in criminal legislation of the MS in this field
  2. Identify legal restrictions that prevent cooperation between the following actors in the fight against the production and commercial distribution of child sexual abuse images on the internet:
    • Relevant public authorities,
    • Relevant public authorities and the private sector,
    • Within the private sector (including economic stakeholders and NGOs)

Scope

The Legal Working Group will provide guidance on how to address relevant issues.

  1. Identify how and to what extent information can be exchanged between relevant public authorities and the private sector. In that context, identify the differences in the relevant legal systems, building on existing legal research
  2. Identify potential conflicts of jurisdiction and suggest possible solutions
  3. Identify how to apply and improve the available judicial cooperation mechanisms
  4. Identify the possibilities on the improvement of the legal ability of the private sector to report the misuse of payment systems to law enforcement authorities. Identify and address data protection issues involved.
  5. Provide legal advice on general issues. The Legal Working Group does not provide any advice on ongoing investigations.

Methodology

  1. The Legal Working Group will meet at regular intervals in order to progress the work of the EFC.
  2. The Legal Working Group will report back to the EFC Secretariat and the Steering Group.

How to join

If you would like information on how your organisation can become a member of the Legal Working Group, please contact us.