ICTA Launches Cyber COP Directive; 3 Telecom Carriers Now Block Inappropriate Sites

New SIM cards designed to automatically block access to inappropriate websites and applications for minors have been launched in Mauritius as part of a joint government initiative to combat cybercrime and enhance child online safety.

The Cyber COP (Child Online Protection) directive was launched by the Ministry of ICT on Wednesday, 10 December, in Ébène.

The protective service is available immediately from the three main mobile operators: Mauritius Telecom, Emtel, and MTML.

Voluntary but Recommended

The Child Online Protection (COP) framework is a joint initiative by the Ministry of ICT and the Ministry of Gender Equality, overseen by the ICT Authority (ICTA).

Jérôme Louis, the Officer in Charge of the ICTA, stated that while the COP scheme is not mandatory, it is strongly recommended as a tool for parents to control their children’s online activity. The overall objective is to improve the fight against cybercrime.

Operator Offerings

The various operators have already announced their pricing and features:

• Mauritius Telecom: The “MyT Child Online Protect” plan is available for Rs 120 per month, according to CEO Veemal Gungadin.
• Emtel: The “Emtel Kids Plan” costs Rs 199 and includes a “whitelist” of applications and websites deemed suitable for children, explained Chief Information Officer Veekash Aukhojee.

A second phase of the project is expected to be launched in the near future.

Source: Defi Media