- Begins ‘Be Internet Awesome’ in Nigeria, others tomorrow
Aderemi-Makinde
Google has launched a $1 million in support of innovations on such internet issues as privacy, safety and security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The initiative, launched Tuesday at the 16th annual Safer Internet Day in Abuja, was designed to empower organisations and provide a safe internet for children.
“Google is committed to a safe internet for children, as well as the empowerment of organisations who share this commitment,” bizwatchnigeria.ng quoted the Head, Brand and Reputation, Google Africa, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, to say. “
“The fund will be administered by a third-party partner on behalf of Google.org, and we will be sharing details on application criteria and deadlines soon.”
It also announced that its other safety programme, Be Internet Awesome, would start in the Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya on February 13.
Partnering on the safe and secure internet awareness programme is Facebook, alongside nine other African organisations chosen across African countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Madagascar, Tanzania, Zambia and South Africa.
They include Watoto Watch Network, Paradigm Initiative, Child Online Africa, Youth First Madagascar, Computing and Information Association, and Asikana Network. Others are Digify Africa, Phambano Technology Development Centre NPC, and Diana Schwarz Attorneys.
According to the Strategic Media Partnerships Manager for Facebook in sub-Saharan Africa, Jocelyne Muhutu-Rémy, Facebook was doing everything necessary to ensure no privacy breach of users’ data on both Facebook and Instagram platforms.
“We’re committed to ensuring (that) Facebook and Instagram are places for everyone, especially the youth. That’s why we offer a range of tools on our platforms to give people full control over their experience and work with our partners to drive awareness about the practices, resources and tools people can use to protect their online well-being,” Muhutu-Rémy said.
