The need for global approach to child online protection

1. The need for global approach to child online protection Dr. Mona Al-achkarJabbour moacja@ul.edu.lb Pan Arab Observatory for cyber security • 30-31 October. • Oman

2. Observatory Vision • Create an effective and efficient Culture of Security & Safety For all stakeholders in the information society with the largest impact.

3. Some cyber security myths - Consumer protection exists in cyberspace; - Firewalls and virus scanners protectmy computer and myenterprise; - Mygovernment has the solution and willprotect me; - Physicalassets are more valuablethan information; - Laws are keeping pace withtechnological innovation.

4. Alarming facts & Figures • - 20 million minors actively used Facebook in the past year, • - 7.5 million—more than one-third—were younger than 13. • - More than 5 million were 10 and younger • - only 18 percent of parents friend their child • - 1 million children “were harassed, threatened, or subjected to other forms of cyber bullying on the site in the past year.”

5. serious risks Violence Online Gaming & Addiction Online Fraud Cyber-bullying Racism Grooming Pornography

6. Why a global approach? • Nature of the environment • Nature of the technologies • Nature of cyber challenges • Nature of to be adopted policies

7. The outcome documents of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) contain strong commitments on the protection of children online • • The Geneva Declaration of Principles states that the development of ICT applications and operation of services respects the rights of children as well as their protection and well-being. • • Paragraph 24 of the Tunis Commitment recognises “the role of ICTs in the protection of children and in enhancing the development of children”. The commitment calls to “strengthen action to protect children from abuse and defend their rights in the context of ICTs”, emphasising“that the best interests of the child are a primary consideration”. • Its successor, the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), provides an annual international and multistakeholder platform to exchange views on children and young people, among others.

8. Everyone has to be involved • Awareness • Legislations & Regulations • Law enforcement • Capacity building • Cooperation

9. Way ahead • Foster international cooperation. • Build convenient security systems • Create public-private relationships • Enhance awareness

10. What have we done • Organized seminars and workshops • Cooperate with the government on ongoing programs and campaigns on child online protection

11. Plan of action • Work with decision makers to enhance the technical, legal and regulatory work frame • work with organizations and institutions representing the potential of youth and children • Organize Capacity building and training workshops to ensure safe maneuver / surf on the internet • Launch a National Media campaign with one main purpose: need to fight illegal and harmful content • Develop materials and resources to ensure consistency and effectiveness of message

12. Projects • Review the legislations in the Arab Countries to gain a better understanding of the actual situation and determine where the issue stands on the national political agenda in order to ensure efficient children online protection. • Leverage on the ISPs to sign a MOU where they engage in active role to fight illegal content

13. Thank you