The European Parliament's adoption of a joint motion for resolution in favour of concrete action on the fight against child sexual abuse and new methods of circulation of child sexual abuse material has been welcomed by MEP Miriam Dalli, one of the motion's signatories.

Dr Dalli's own suggestion that the darknet - an online black market infrastructure through which child sexual abuse material is being disseminated - was taken on board in the joint motion.

In an address to the EP last month, the MEP had argued that the European Commission needed to adapt its 2011 directive dealing with child sexual abuse material to reflect technological developments and realities.

She emphasised the need to consider new technological developments such as the darknet, a private network where connections are made only between trusted peers, which thus lends itself to the dissemination of abusive material.

The resolution asks that member states' law enforcement authorities and EUROPOL are provided with the necessary funds, human resources, investigative powers and technical capabilities to seriously and effectively pursue offenders.

"I am really satisfied with the message that was sent out today by the European Parliament that we believe in fighting child sexual abuse online concretely," Dr Dalli said.

"This motion for resolution emphasises key principles that I have brought forward to the European Parliament including the need to educate children through awareness campaigns, self-regulation by the industry and the need to address the darknet."

The motion for resolution calls on the Commission and member states to launch an awareness campaign to empower children and support parents and educators. It further states that children's personal online data must be protected and that children need to be informed of the risks and consequences of using their personal data online.

It further calls for the need to identify opportunities for better cooperation with law enforcement authorities regarding the commercial distribution of child abuse material particularly when it comes to new means of distribution, including the darknet.

"The vote today is a step in the right direction. My appeal is for all the member states to transpose the 2011 Directive on combating sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography and for the European Parliament to monitor the implementation of this Directive," Dr Dalli concluded.