The Internet Society (ISOC) Online Safety Special Interest Group (SIG) held a regional event in Accra to promote online trust, privacy, and safety among young Internet users across Africa. The hybrid session, themed “Empowering the Next Generation: Building Trust and Ensuring Safety in the Digital Space,” brought together students, experts, and professionals to discuss responsible digital citizenship.
Godsway Kubi, Lead Facilitator of the Online Safety SIG, opened the session, emphasising the importance of digital literacy and responsible online behaviour. Kyle Shulman, Senior Manager for Community Engagement at the Internet Society, highlighted the need for stronger partnerships among stakeholders to address online safety challenges.
Keynote speakers included John Perrino, who spoke on “Building Trust in the Digital Age”, stressing the declining global trust in the Internet, and Godsway Kubi, who addressed digital well-being and online privacy for youth, encouraging safe online habits.
A panel moderated by Faiza Seidu Adam featured Maud Ashong Elliot, Farzaneh Badiei, Akshay Bhardwaj, and Confidence Mawusi, discussing safety in education, technology design, and cross-sector collaboration. Participants also joined practical sessions on safe social media practices, digital footprint management, and fact-checking, led by Gabriel Ofori Appiah.
The event concluded with the launch of the Online Trust and Safety Campus Ambassador Program, co-led by Godsway Kubi and Maud Ashong Elliot, which will train student leaders to promote digital literacy and online safety across campuses.
