In a significant step towards safeguarding children in the digital age, the National CERT played a pivotal role in the UNICEF-organized Child Online Protection (COP) training. Held in Islamabad from September 9-12, 2024, the event brought together key stakeholders to address the growing challenges of online threats faced by children and develop strategies for creating a safer digital space.
National CERT’s Vision for Child Online Protection:
Dr. Haider Abbas, Director General of the National CERT, delivered a keynote address on the first day of the event, outlining the organization’s comprehensive vision for child online protection. Dr. Abbas stressed the urgency of protecting children in the digital landscape and highlighted the National CERT’s efforts to build an ecosystem centered around digital safety. This includes promoting digital literacy, developing parental controls, and implementing age verification systems to shield children from harmful content.
Key Initiatives and Collaborations:
Dr. Abbas further elaborated on the National CERT’s initiatives, such as collaborations with social media platforms, internet service providers (ISPs), and international partners to combat cyberbullying and swiftly respond to child-related cyber incidents. He emphasized the importance of educating children, parents, and educators about online risks and digital citizenship, reinforcing the National CERT’s commitment to fostering a secure digital environment for children through nationwide awareness campaigns, training programs, and the establishment of national reporting mechanisms.
Mr. Syed Imran Haider, Manager Training at National CERT, also addressed participants on the importance of equipping professionals with digital forensic capabilities and outlined best practices for establishing efficient reporting systems for child-related incidents. Mr. Haider highlighted how the National CERT’s ongoing efforts aim to enhance coordination between different organizations to respond effectively to online threats targeting children.
The COP training provided a platform for attendees to gain actionable strategies for protecting children online. Through collaborations across sectors, this initiative aligns with the National CERT’s overarching goal of ensuring a safe, regulated, and empowering digital space for children in Pakistan. By actively participating in such events and driving initiatives for child online protection, the National CERT is making a significant contribution to safeguarding the digital well-being of Pakistan’s youth.
