Oman’s TRA to safeguard children online

These efforts aim to educate families and safeguard children from online threats whilst fostering a secure digital environment.

 Computer, Electronics, Laptop, Pc, Boy, Child, Male, Person, Computer Hardware, Computer Keyboard, Hardware, Photography, Screen, Face, Head

Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in Oman has launched several initiatives to protect children’s internet usage in Oman, responding to alarming statistics revealing that nearly 86% of children in the Sultanate engage with the internet. Recognising that a substantial portion of this demographic spends considerable time online, 43.5% using it for information searches and 34% for entertainment and communication, the authority is actively pursuing a proposed law to regulate children’s internet activities.

The initiative aligns with ITU’s definition of a child, per Oman’s Child Protection Law No. 22/2014, which defines children as individuals under 18. Among these initiatives are the ‘Be Aware’ national awareness campaign, aimed at educating families on safe internet practices, the Secure Net program developed in partnership with Omantel and UNICEF to offer parental control features, and the Safe Net service designed to protect users from online threats such as viruses and phishing attacks.

Through these efforts, the TRA is committed to promoting a safe and responsible digital environment for children in Oman. By addressing the growing challenges of internet usage among minors, the authority aims to foster a culture of awareness and security that empowers families and protects the well-being of the younger generation in the digital landscape.