By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
Rwanda's National Cyber
Security Authority (NCSA) has reaffirmed the importance of coordinated action
to address technology-facilitated gender-based violence, emphasizing the need
for stronger digital safety measures, responsible use of artificial intelligence,
and enhanced public awareness.
The Authority's Chief
Cybersecurity Standards Officer, Ghislaine K., delivered the remarks during a
panel discussion on "Emerging Risks and Institutional Response to
Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence in Rwanda," organized by the
Bamporeze Association in partnership with Plan International Rwanda.
During the discussion, she
highlighted the NCSA's mandate to safeguard Rwanda's cyberspace through the
implementation of key legal and policy frameworks, including the Cybercrime
Law, the Data Protection and Privacy Law, and the Child Online Protection Policy.
She called on organizations
to clearly define age-appropriate content for digital platforms and urged
internet service providers to strengthen child-access filtering mechanisms to
enhance online safety for minors.
Addressing the growing
influence of artificial intelligence, Ghislaine emphasized the importance of
responsible AI use, warning that digital content can have lasting consequences.
She reminded participants that "everything you put online stays online,"
encouraging citizens and organizations to adopt responsible and proactive
cybersecurity practices.
Panelists agreed that
tackling technology-facilitated gender-based violence requires sustained public
awareness, responsible online behaviour, verification of information before
sharing, and timely reporting of suspicious digital activities.
They also underscored the
need for continued collaboration among policymakers, educational institutions,
families, technology providers, and citizens to build a safer, more secure, and
inclusive digital environment across Rwanda.
