On 1 April, the  Council of Europe Committee of Ministers adopted an Internet Governance Strategy for 2016-2019 which specifically addresses support for human rights, democracy and rule of law as affected by online challenges. Priorities include empowering citizens to use the Internet for education and democratic participation, and includes new innovations such as the Internet of things, mass surveillance, violent extremism and online abuse in all forms. A particular action requests the establishment of a 'platform between governments and major Internet companies to promote their respect for human rights online'. The press release has a summary of its main elements, which include specific mentions of data protection and freedom of expression.