Cases of internet fraud, theft and sabotage are increasing exponentially. Big and small firms, governments and individuals have all been targeted. Such crimes need to be rolled back at all costs.
Meanwhile too however, the sure and easy availability of internet service must be guaranteed to all those who wish to access them. It is a micro problem (for individuals or companies) as well as a national and European one. Many of the contacts, messages and transactions that are carried out under e-mail or facebook cover for instance, could overnight be subject to attack.
How can we face up to this threat which week in, week out, continues to grow, not just in terms of the number of cases, but equally by way of the technical sophistication with which attacks are launched? – that is the question.
Given how human relations have been developing – not least since Covid-19 made an appearance – national responses will not be enough. There is a need for effective tools to be designed on a European scale, for it is from that basis, indeed even wider, that attacks have been mounted.
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EUROPEAN CERTIFICATE
As of today, the European anti-Covid vaccine certificate should come into effect. Let’s hope that the implementation of the measure is a success in all EU member states, including Malta. The agreement on its introduction made good sense.
I totally disagree with people who consider the certificate as a limitation on the liberties of which the EU is a guarantor. They insist that in fact, given its very existence, it serves to curb the free circulation of persons in Europe.
One would believe that when a health emergency arises like the one we have been facing, causing the death of thousands of people, there should be no argument about it being acceptable in striving to control a pandemic, to suspend certain freedoms. As a state of fact, the certificate will be facilitating the free circulation of people in Europe under the Shengen system that was greatly undermined during the months when Covid-19 was spreading.
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HOMOSEXUALITY
The EU has done well to insist that all member states respect its basic values that guarantee the equality of all its citizens as well as all their civil rights.
No doubt, Hungary is threatening the civil and other rights of the homosexual community with the laws that it recently introduced. They go totally against the Union’s fundamental values and one can only agree that European leaders should protest directly with the Hungarian government and make it clear that it cannot continue allowing the present situation to persist.
It is hardly surprising that some have declared Hungary should leave the Union if it can no longer endorse its profound values. That is quite evident.
Still, before getting to this point, more discussions should be held with the Hungarian government. All sides would benefit were the problem to be solved by Hungary agreeing to withdraw legislation that tarnishes its image.