IT minister stresses on family awareness to prevent sexual exploitation

Awareness on the part of family could safeguard children from online sexual exploitation.

Posts, Telecommunications and Information Technology minister Mustafa Jabbar came up with the remark at a discussion program titled ‘Protecting and preventing online sexual exploitation of Children- Rights and Responsibility of Internet service providers’, held on Wednesday at the CIRDAP auditorium in the capital and organized by  the Ain O Salish Kendra, a human rights group. 

The number of internet users in 2008 was only 8 lakh, which jumped to a staggering 9 crores within a decade. 

While highlighting the astounding surge of internet users, Mustafa Jabbar said: children in an increasing number, besides the young generation, are getting hooked up with the internet. Consequently, children are falling prey to online sexual harassment at an increasing number, while becoming vulnerable to cyber-crimes.   

Concerned authorities said, it is not possible to prevent online sexual harassment of children by ensuring legal aid or blocking obnoxious sites only.   

At the open discussion, speakers underscored the need for awareness- building measures for children that will address the crisis/menace. Sheepa Hafiza, executive director of ASK, said that not only the internet service providers , but also awareness on the part of family would be the most effective measure for ensuring safe internet for children.’’

Most of the recommendations at the discussion, by the Ain O Salish Kendra, underscored the need for building public awareness on the issue. 

The recommendations stressed on the need for the internet service providers to make internet subscribers aware of the ‘Digital Security Act-2018’ and ‘Pornography Control Act-2012’ through bills and leaflet. 

Advocate Rezaul Karim Siddique, public prosecutor of cyber tribunal Nazrul Islam Shamim, Commissioner of BTRC engineer Mohiuddin Ahmed, among others, attended the event.