UNIPATH STAFF
Protecting children from radical online indoctrination was a major topic at the Global Cybersecurity Forum (GCF) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in February 2020.
More than 1,200 participants from government, academia, the media, the security sector and technology firms discussed how to make cyberspace more resilient to online threats.
Attendees emphasized that growing technological progress and the global interconnectedness through cyberspace provide opportunities for economic and social growth, though these opportunities are accompanied by a significant increase in risk for individuals and organizations.
The GCF promoted training to meet the demands of the technology-based global economy, raised awareness of the pros and cons of cyberspace, and supported enhanced global cyber security by harnessing emerging technologies and partnerships between the public and private sectors.
His Royal Highness Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Abdulaziz, the governor of Riyadh, presented two initiatives at the forum. The first was a plan to develop best practices, policies and programs to protect children from online threats.
Children surfing the internet without parental supervision can fall prey to terrorist and extremist indoctrination, bullying, extortion, fraud and other cyber crimes.
The second initiative was designed to educate and train women — in a field long dominated by men — to ensure their effective participation in the realm of cyber security.