Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – As part of ongoing efforts to develop a national online safety policy for children and vulnerable groups, The Gambia’s Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy held a seminar on Friday with internet service providers, GSM operators, content developers, and other key stakeholders.

The one-day event, focusing on fostering trust in online service usage, addressed pressing challenges in online safety and explored potential strategies for protecting the nation’s most vulnerable internet users.

The seminar, a deliverable of the World Bank-funded West African Regional Digital Integration Program consultancy, served as a platform for participants to discuss existing and prospective measures to enhance online trust and safety.

Topics included implementing age-appropriate content filters, expanding parental controls, and advancing digital literacy among young users.

Participants also highlighted the need to address the absence of a national framework for child and vulnerable group online protection, marking this initiative as a crucial step toward rectifying that gap.

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, Hassan M. Jallow, emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach in developing the policy. “In close collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Welfare, we are committed to addressing the needs of our populace through a multi-stakeholder approach. In alignment with the Digital Economy Master Plan 2024-2034, we aim to create a resilient digital infrastructure that supports economic growth and development,” Jallow stated.

The seminar also provided a forum for stakeholders to showcase initiatives designed to build trust in online services, from service providers to content creators. Discussions addressed how these initiatives can be adapted to meet the unique needs of Gambian users, particularly those in vulnerable groups.

Sering Oumar Low, Project Coordinator, noted the value of learning from international best practices while tailoring solutions to the Gambian context: “As stakeholders, what we try to do is adopt and adapt solutions that can fit within the Gambian context.”

Sanusi Drame, Director of Cyber Security at the Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy, highlighted the shared commitment among service providers and government bodies to protect vulnerable users online. “We, as a ministry, recognize the collective agenda with stakeholders to ensure resilient cyberspace and digital safety, particularly for our children,” Drame affirmed.

The seminar’s consultant, Professor Salma Abassi, called on participants to collaborate in shaping a robust policy that supports public safety online. “Developing a common practice and code of conduct for trust-building in services is crucial, not only for the citizens but also for the government, which has a duty of care to the population,” Professor Abassi stated.

The seminar marked a productive step forward, with plans for the consultant to design a unified program that will set the standard for internet service providers in The Gambia, ultimately laying the groundwork for a safer online environment for all users.