Cape Town-based social enterprise development platform, Impact Amplifier, has teamed up with Google’s philanthropic arm, Google.org, to introduce the African Online Safety Platform, aimed at tackling online safety risks across the continent.
The platform seeks to address the diverse challenges related to online safety, including understanding prevalent issues, ensuring safety for all, especially young people, integrating online safety education into formal education systems, funding opportunities for safety initiatives, and facilitating assistance for victims of online crimes or violations.
Key features of the platform include a repository of research findings, educational resources, funding avenues, and avenues for seeking help in the event of online crimes.
Impact Amplifier noted that the African internet safety landscape faces various obstacles, such as the absence of a centralized repository for online safety research, complex legal and social media support systems, and inadequate funding for necessary interventions. The AOSP aims to overcome these challenges by providing comprehensive resources and support mechanisms.
Google South Africa Country Director, Dr. Alistair Mokoena, emphasized the commitment to supporting the online safety ecosystem in Africa, highlighting the importance of safeguarding vulnerable populations from online harms while maximizing the benefits of the internet.
Tanner Methvin, Director at Impact Amplifier, stressed the significance of addressing online safety concerns in Africa, considering the continent’s growing internet population. The platform offers innovative solutions to combat various online safety issues, including misinformation, cybercrime, hate speech targeting journalists, and integrating online safety training into school curricula.
Overall, the African Online Safety Platform represents a collaborative effort to promote online safety and empower individuals and communities to navigate the digital landscape securely.
