Bahrain’s Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has achieved a significant milestone by being elected as the Vice Chair of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Council Working Group on Child Online Protection. This appointment recognizes the TRA’s long-standing commitment and advocacy for the online safety of children.
The ITU Council Working Group on Child Online Protection is an international assembly of experts from various industries who work collaboratively to develop policies and guidelines focused on child online safety. These professionals also promote the sharing of information on this critical issue. The group’s main goal is to raise awareness about the dangers children face online and to devise effective strategies to prevent and mitigate these risks.
In its new role, the TRA is set to enhance international cooperation, facilitate the sharing of insights, and contribute to the development of tools and technologies aimed at protecting children on the Internet.
May Al Ghatam, TRA’s Acting Manager of Online Safety, remarked on this achievement, stating, “This appointment is a testament to the Kingdom of Bahrain’s pioneering work in protecting children and combating online exploitation. It also reflects the TRA’s extensive experience in this vital area and its capacity to make significant contributions towards strengthening international collaboration.”
Since its establishment in 2002, the Bahrain TRA has been instrumental in transforming the country into a modern communications hub in the region and promoting market growth. The authority is known for its independent, transparent, and non-discriminatory approach to regulation.
Al Ghatam also highlighted the increasing online threats faced by children, including bullying, electronic fraud, exposure to inappropriate content, harassment, among others. She emphasized the TRA’s diligent efforts in safeguarding children and raising awareness on handling such challenges.
This new role for the Bahrain TRA underscores its commitment to and leadership in addressing the ever-evolving challenges of online child protection, marking an important step in global efforts to create a safer digital environment for children.
