Film and Publication Board (FPB), Channel Africa and the University of Johannesburg recently hosted the Africa Day Roundtable on Online Safety in Africa at the SABC studios in Auckland Park. The event, which took place on May 24th, 2024, brought together key stakeholders to address the current state of online safety in Africa and foster collaboration among African regulators with an online safety mandate.
The roundtable aimed to assess the progress made in online safety initiatives in Africa and collectively develop solutions that will enhance the protection of African children in the online environment. Dr. Mashilo Boloka, CEO of FPB, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, emphasizing the need to raise awareness on online harms on the continent and take action through enabling policies and regulations to ensure that children are protected in the digital space.
Key takeaways from the speakers included discussions on the global perspective on the state of online safety in Africa, trends in harmful content, and the online child protection. Additionally, insights into online safety in Africa were shared, drawing from research and practical lessons. The event also provided opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing among diverse stakeholders, including policymakers, platform owners, NGOs, regulators, and academia.
The collaboration between FPB, Channel Africa and the University of Johannesburg highlights their commitment to safeguarding children and other vulnerable groups against harmful online content. The event showcased the dedication to advancing the cause of online safety for children and strengthening collaboration on regulatory mandates in the rapidly evolving digital space.
