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In a 'Declaration of freedom of communication on the Internet' the Council set out seven principles for its 45 member states, including the UK, to adhere to.

Central to these principles is the idea that the exchange of information over the Internet should be subject to no more restrictions than on other media and that control should, on the whole, be exercised through self-regulation. 'Public authorities should not, through general blocking or filtering measures, deny access by the public to information and other communication on the Internet, regardless of frontiers.' Although controls on illegal

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content, such as child pornography, remain justified.

The principles also call on member states to 'foster and encourage access for all to Internet communication and information services on a non-discriminatory basis at an affordable price'. There should be no restrictions on individuals setting up their own Web sites.

The Council has also come to the aid of Internet service providers, who are under increasing pressure to take responsibility for - and consequently police - the Web content that passes through them.

'Member states should not impose on service providers a general obligation to monitor content on the Internet to which they give access, that they transmit or store, nor that of actively seeking facts or circumstances indicating illegal activity.

'Member states should ensure that service providers are not held liable for content on the Internet when their function is limited, as defined by national law, to transmitting information or providing access to the Internet.'

The Council of Europe is an intergovernmental organisation which aims, among other things, to protect human rights, pluralist democracy and the rule of law. Every European state is a member, with the exception of Belorussia and the Vatican.