Safer Internet Day 2022
The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) in partnership with Google Kenya, EveMinet Communications Solutions Limited, CODE-IP Trust, Kenya Scouts Association (KSA) held a joint Webinar to commemorate the #SaferInternetDay2022 on 8th February 2022.
Themed: ‘All fun and games? Exploring Respect and Relationships Online’, the webinar was streamed Live on the Board’s social media platforms and comprised experts who discussed and highlighted societal and stakeholder responsibility in creating and ensuring safer internet for young people.
Hon. William Kisang, MP Marakwet West Constituency, who presided over the webinar, said that the Safer Internet Day is key in making the world a better place.
Mr. Kisang who chairs the Parliamentary Committee on Communication, Information and Innovation, said that in the past four years, the National Assembly has passed laws to protect children and other vulnerable groups from negative content and noted the need for broadcasters to adhere to the Watershed Period (5am-10pm).
In his remarks, the Board’s Ag. Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Christopher Wambua said that KFCB has continued to collaborate with Google, Communication Authority of Kenya (CA), Eveminet Communication Solutions Limited among other like-minded public and private sector agencies to create awareness on Child Online Safety and Digital Parenting with the aim of equipping parents with skills & knowledge on digital parenting and responsible use of the internet by children.
“With the current internet and technology growth, the Board cannot limit the online interaction/usage among the youths, hence the need for increased joint consumer awareness as we execute our regulatory mandate as stipulated in the Films and Stage Plays Act Cap222 of the Laws of Kenya,” the Ag. CEO said.
Mr. Wambua added that the Board is in the process of collaborating with Ukaid, African Centre for Women, Information, and Communications Technology (ACWICT) among other partners in a Digital Content Creation Skills Training program in which the Board will sensitize influencers, exhibitors, distributors and creatives on cyber hygiene and their obligations for child-friendly and age-appropriate digital content.
Mr. Michael Murungi, who is the Google Government Affairs & Public Policy Lead, Eastern Africa said that Google is proud to collaborate with the Board on various digital programs that seek to protect children from exposure to harmful content and equip parents with digital skills.
He observed that the Safer Internet Day is key in making the world a better place, noting that Google has put in place solid infrastructure to ensure safety of internet users, especially children.