Brunei introduces framework on child online protection

A copy of the Child Online Protection Framework. Photo: Quratul-Ain Bandial/The Brunei Times

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Mar 6, 2014: Children’s online safety has been given a boost with the introduction of the “Child Online Protection Framework” (COP).

Hj Yahkup Hj Menudin, CEO of Authority for Info-communications Technology Industry of Brunei Darussalam (AITI), said the government had undertaken several measures to develop the framework, including recent amendments to legislation to criminalise “sexual grooming” by online predators.

Sterner penalties have been implemented for outraging modesty, child pornography, voyeuristic acts and commercial sex with a minor.

Hj Yahkup added that among other measures, the Royal Brunei Police Force (RBPF) has adopted digital forensics to investigate cybercrimes and the Ministry of Education is incorporating cyber-security awareness into the school curriculum.

Law enforcement agencies have also been active in raising cyber-security awareness among teenage students through ongoing campaigns and talks.

Hj Yahkup also emphasised the role of religion in curbing social ills, and the COP Framework has received support from the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

In a press statement, AITI said Brunei is the first country in the region to build a COP Framework, and it would serve as a reference for other countries.

At a handover ceremony yesterday, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Communications, Abdul Mutalib Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Setia Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yusof, handed over the COP Framework to Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sports, Hj Mohd Rozan Dato Paduka Hj Mohd Yunos.

According to 2012 statistics from the RBPF, 60 per cent of abuse or rape victims met their attackers online. Eighty-two per cent of victims were under the age 16.

source: The Brunei Times