Facebook has launched a series of initiatives to help make the internet safer for people across Africa on Safer Internet Day (7 February) 2017
Children and young people are Facebook's targets when it comes to internet safety. As part of a 100-country strong campaign day, Safer Internet Day took place on 7 February and aimed to make the internet a safer and better place for all people across Africa. Facebook partnered public sector agencies and non-governmental agencies from across the continent, rallying under the call, "Be the change: unite for a better internet."
“Nothing is more important to us than the safety of the people who use Facebook. Every day people come to Facebook to connect with people and issues they care about, and they should be able to do so in a safe, secure environment,” says Akua Gyekye, Public Policy Manager Facebook, Africa.
The initiative is coordinated by the joint Insafe/INHOPE network, with the support of the European Commission, and national Safer Internet Centres across Europe and beyond.
In Africa, Facebook is working with partners such as: Watoto Watch in Kenya, the International Center for Leadership Development and the Women’s Technology Empowerment Centre in Nigeria, South Africa’s Film and Publication Board, JOXAfrica Association in Senegal, Tech Women Zimbabwe as well as J Initiative and Ghana Internet Safety Foundation from Ghana to ensure the safety and education of their communities and address the needs of vulnerable people.
Facebook is providing financial and marketing support for them to use to raise awareness about online safety. Facebook is also hosting an event in Johannesburg, South Africa, and Nairobi, Kenya to promote the importance of online safety to students, teachers, parents and policymakers.
