On September 9th 2005, City Council Leader Steven Purcell signed the European Charter of Rights of Citizens in the Knowledge Society, commonly referred to as the e-Rights Charter and developed by EUROCITIES Knowledge Society Forum - TeleCities

The signing was witnessed by ICT Spokesperson Bailie Alan Stewart and Head of e-Government and Development, Elma Murray.

By signing the Charter, Glasgow City Council is agreeing to promote the creation and delivery of services to meet these four goals:

• The right of access to the Internet and security and privacy relating to personal data managed online
• The right to acquire basic IT skills and to have access to lifelong e-learning resources
• The right of access to best quality online information on public services and be able to do this regardless of any disability
• The right to participate in local government decision-making through use of ICTs

The goals of the Charter are a close match to the Council's Key Objectives and priorities. 

Access Glasgow initiatives already delivering on eRights goals are:

• Free Internet access is widely available in the city's libraries and community spaces and the Council is involved in work to develop a national infrastructure to protect the security of data
• The work of the much admired REAL learning partnership and the availability of high quality technology in our schools are already making an important contribution to the objectives of social renewal
• The Council's web site has received an AA accessibility rating and is backed up by installation of assistive technologies in Real centres and award winning initiatives such as VIPONAIR
• All Elected Members are available by email and online contributions to consultations such as the Pre-12 Schools Strategy herald a new era in methods of participation in decision making in the City