The Information and Communications Technology (ICT) infrastructure in the whole world is becoming an increasingly important component of the economy. The significance of ICT can be seen from the fact that it has penetrated almost every aspect of our daily lives from business to leisure and even society.
Today PCs, cell phones, fax machines, email and internet have not only become an integral part of our culture but also play an essential role in our day to day activities. It is in this context that Universal Service Fund has started efforts to take Broadband to all corners of the country.
Recently it has signed contracts to provide subsidies of Rs 1.4 Billion to provide affordable broadband Services to the seven (7) un-served districts of Faisalabad Telecom Region. The main objective of this programme is to promote education, tele-medicine, e-government, e-commerce etc.
While we are familiar with the countless facilities provided through the use of ICTs, it is difficult to stay abreast of all the changes and the potential risks, presented by them - risks that involve theft of personal information, spamming, virus threat and pornography. These cyber risks have also endangered children who use internet as an information resource and there are a large number of teenagers who have been targeted by predators online.
Keeping in view such a scenario, there is a great need to develop relationship among law enforcement, security professionals, higher education, and industry participants in identifying and managing cyber risks and related matters. It is also very important to use research and development to improve the security of computer and communications systems and the information created and stored within them.
I feel that cyber security can play a huge role in fully achieving all these goals (especially education) for children, so that the available information on internet is not misused and it is used only for constructive purposes. The theme for this year's World Telecom and Information Society Day, 'Protecting children in cyber space' will play a huge role in bringing together all the relevant sectors to take concrete steps for ensuring that children can access Internet with safety.
As the representative of Universal Service Fund (Ministry of IT), I would request the Internet Service Providers and research and development organisations to join hands for taking appropriate measures to curb cyber abuse. We must keep in mind that our children are our future and it is our moral and social responsibility to ensure their protection and create a viable cyber environment for their intellectual growth and overall progress.
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