ITU members to step up cyber security

Kenya and member countries of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) are placing efforts in protecting children through cyber security as the dangers of global Internet connectivity increase.

In a newly launched an initiative known as Child Online Protection (COP), members aim at creating a safe and secure on-line experience for children everywhere by having in place regional policies and regulatory measures.

“Threats of cyber-crime are real and the world should move fast so that information can flow without any danger,” Information minister Samuel Poghisio told participants at an ITU council conference in Geneva last week.

In a bid to address the issue, he said, the Government was currently developing a comprehensive policy to tackle issues of privacy, e-security, cyber crimes and ethical and moral conduct, which are both embedded in the Kenya Communications Amendment Bill and the Electronics Transaction Bill being discussed in parliament.

The COP initiative brings together participants from all sectors of the international community with the aim of creating a safe and secure on-line experience for children everywhere.

According to ITU, the virtual world it also poses a challenge as an interaction ground for cyber-criminals and paedophiles.

Pascal Villeneuve, associate director of Unicef in Geneva points out: “Issues around the protection of children increasingly involve some kind of on-line component … but these technologies also make the world more connected … That’s why we welcome these new efforts.”

Business Daily