The Mauritian government intends to implement stricter rules and a more adaptable legal framework to safeguard citizens from the negative impacts of social media use.
This is according to Avinash Ramtohul, minister of information technology, communication, and innovation, who announced during his speech on Tuesday to commemorate Safer Internet Day, which focused on responsible digital engagement among youngsters.
Ramtohul pointed out that discussions with major platforms, such as TikTok and Meta, will be conducted as part of these initiatives.
The minister emphasised the numerous threats that children face online, including cyberbullying, hacking, phishing, scams, fraud, exposure to pornographic content, and sextortion.
He underlined the significance of enhancing enforcement procedures to better protect internet users, particularly youngsters, and encouraged them to be more cautious when navigating online world.
“The social, mental and physical well-being of the youth will determine the future of the country”, he said, underlining the need to educate young users to engage with technology responsibly, critically, creatively, and respectfully.
The ministry's objective includes raising awareness about the safe and responsible use of artificial intelligence (AI), launching an AI competition centred on road safety, and implementing Child Online Protection Packages to promote a safer digital environment for children.
Ramtohul spoke on the state's vision of positioning the country as a regional leader in AI, stating that families registered with the Mauritius Social Register will receive free internet access.
This comes as the Internet Gratis plan, a digital inclusion project that provides residents aged 18 to 25 with 200GB of free, renewable monthly mobile data, formally begins operations.
The Mauritius Revenue Authority manages this project, which provides 4G/5G connectivity through local providers and access to over 350 Wi-Fi hotspots.
He also underlined the growing importance of digital identity and digital rights in protecting internet users, and announced that a set of guidelines controlling the use of AI will be released this month.
Lisa Simrique Singh, the United Nations resident coordinator for Mauritius and the Seychelles, stated that Mauritius is seeing a rapidly expanding digital landscape, which brings both new bene-fits and concerns linked with internet use.
She noted that the increased reliance on the internet and digital platforms has heightened vulnerabilities, particularly for women, girls, and young people.
In this context, she emphasised the need to strengthen vigilance, promote digital literacy, and implement strengthened protective measures.
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