GISF hails Child Online Protection Framework as regulatory game-changer

The Ghana Internet Safety Foundation (GISF) has described the recently introduced Ghana Child Online Protection Framework as a pivotal regulatory development that would significantly enhance the safety of children in the digital space.Mr. Emmanuel Adinkra, President and Chief Information Security Officer of GISF, expressed optimism about the framework's capacity to transform the online landscape.He pointed out that safeguarding children online was essential for their protection, the cultivation of healthy digital habits, and the promotion of a more positive online experience.On October 18, 2024, the National Child Online Protection Framework was officially launched by Second Lady Mrs. Samira Bawumia in Accra.The initiative aims to protect children nationwide from cybersecurity threats, including cyberbullying and online abuse.The launch was on the theme 'Empowering Young Minds: Creating Opportunities, Promoting a Safer Digital Ghana.'It coincided with the grand finale of the 2023 National Cyberse curity Challenge, where St. Peters Senior High School emerged as the winner.The competition was organized by the Cyber Security Authority (CSA) in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation, with support from UNICEF, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the Ghana Internet Safety Foundation, and other key partners.Mr. Adinkra noted that child online protection was crucial as children were increasingly using the internet for education, entertainment, and social interaction, which exposed them to various dangers.He said without proper safeguards, children ccould become victims of online harassment, leading to emotional distress and potentially severe mental health issues.Mr. Adinkra also noted that children could unintentionally encounter age-inappropriate content, such as violent or sexual material, which could adversely affect their development.'The anonymity of the internet enables predators to exploit children through grooming or other harmful behaviors,' h e added.Mr. Adinkra pointed out that children often lacked full understanding of the consequences of sharing personal information online, which made them susceptible to identity theft, fraud, or exploitation.He also noted that without appropriate guidance, children could encounter and accept false or misleading information, which could negatively impact their education and worldview.Developed in accordance with the initiatives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WeProtect Global Alliance, and UNICEF, the framework aims to create a safer and more empowering online environment for children in Ghana.Source: Ghana News Agency