PNG, Australia Strengthen Online Safety Partnership

PNG and Australia are expanding cooperation to address online safety concerns, with Australia committing additional support to help Pacific governments build stronger safeguards for people using digital services.

 PNG, Australia Strengthen Online Safety Partnership/Photo supplied

The new assistance is expected to focus on practical training and capacity building, particularly in areas involving the protection of children, families and communities from online harm.

Details of the support were announced during Pacific Cyber Week in Port Moresby in July as regional partners examined ways to make the Pacific’s digital environment safer.

Australia will also assist with a National e-Safety Symposium to be held on November 23. Government representatives, industry stakeholders and community groups are expected to attend the gathering and exchange information on emerging online threats.

The programme is part of Australia’s broader engagement with PNG and the Pacific in strengthening cyber capabilities and expanding access to digital opportunities.

Support for skills development, cybercrime prevention and child protection will also form part of the regional cooperation.

With more people relying on phones and internet services for communication, education, business and other activities, authorities are placing greater emphasis on ensuring communities can participate safely in the digital space.

“By working together, we are creating a safer, stronger, and more resilient future for communities across PNG and the Pacific.”