The National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA) in Egypt has initiated field campaigns to raise awareness among parents about the importance of protecting children from the risks associated with internet and social media use. These campaigns aim to introduce parents to services designed to safeguard children online. The NTRA's efforts focus on locations where parents congregate, such as shopping malls, libraries, and schools, providing them with direct access to information about these services and how to subscribe to them.
The NTRA has developed two key services, "اطمن" (Be Assured) and "اطمن على الآخر" (Be Assured About the Other), to create a safer online environment for children. The "اطمن" service restricts access to content deemed inappropriate for children's age groups, including websites, applications, and games. Additionally, "اطمن على الآخر" offers an extra layer of protection by also limiting access to social media sites and applications. These services are designed to help parents monitor and control their children's online activities more effectively.
According to Mohamed Ibrahim, Deputy Head of the NTRA and spokesperson for the authority, parents can subscribe to these services through their mobile network provider's application. By doing so, they can easily select which of their registered lines to activate the service on. During the trial period, the service is offered for free. Furthermore, subscriptions can also be processed through mobile network provider branches. The NTRA's digital campaigns include short videos that guide subscribers through the registration and activation processes.
The NTRA takes responsibility for continuously updating lists of inappropriate content and websites, collaborating with specialized companies to ensure the lists remain current. This process is automated, meaning parents do not need to manually update the services after initial setup. The authority emphasizes the importance of family involvement in protecting children, alongside leveraging technological tools and services provided by the state and relevant entities.
The field campaigns by the NTRA are part of a broader strategy to engage with parents and guardians directly, providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to protect their children in the digital age. By targeting areas where parents are likely to be present, the authority aims to maximize the reach and impact of its educational efforts.
Ibrahim highlighted the significance of these services in providing a safer online environment for children, allowing them to explore the internet with reduced risk. The services are designed to be user-friendly, ensuring that parents can easily manage their children's online activities without requiring extensive technical knowledge.
The initiative by the NTRA reflects Egypt's ongoing efforts to address the challenges of digital safety and child protection in the online space. By launching these campaigns and services, the authority demonstrates its commitment to safeguarding children's welfare in the digital age, encouraging responsible internet use among young users.
Key points
- The NTRA has launched two services, "اطمن" and "اطمن على الآخر", to restrict access to inappropriate content and social media for children.
- Parents can subscribe to these services for free during the trial period through their mobile network provider's application or branches.
- The NTRA continuously updates lists of inappropriate content in collaboration with specialized companies, ensuring the services remain effective.
