A legal instrument (L.I) to hold service providers responsible for items that constitute a harm to children when browsing the internet is in the works, according to Dr. Albert Antwi-Boasiako, director-general of the Cyber Security Authority.When the L.I. goes into force later this year, he emphasized that internet service providers who disobey requests to delete content that is harmful to children will face sanctions.

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Although a free, open, and secure internet is an effective tool for fostering connectivity and increasing inclusivity, he claims that when it is used inappropriately, it can have harmful effects on users, particularly youngsters.

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Speaking at the 2023 Africa Safer Internet Day programme in Accra, Dr Antwi-Boasiako said it is crucial for both the public and private sectors to invest in the education of people, especially for children to develop their critical thinking skills.He said this will enable them to evaluate online risks and opportunities effectively.

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“The CSA will be developing a legislative instrument to ensure that we strengthen a legal environment which will have provisions to hold service providers who fail to comply with orders for removal of contents that are inimical to children will be held accountable,” he said.

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“It is crucial we invest in educating our young people to develop their critical thinking skills to enable them to evaluate online risk and opportunities effectively,” the Director-General of Cybersecurity Authority stated.Every first Tuesday in February is marked as Safer Internet Day.The annual flagship campaign is to raise awareness of the importance of staying safe online.

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