By News Desk
Dennis Kodhe, a renowned political expert
During a high-level regional engagement on the “Role of State Actors in Combating Online Harms,”in Mauritius ,experts have called for stronger measures to protect citizens from digital threats, misinformation, and cyber exploitation.
Dennis Kodhe, a renowned political expert, emphasized that the rapid growth of online platforms has created new risks that governments must address proactively.
“Online harms are no longer just technical issues; they affect governance, public safety, and democratic processes. State actors must coordinate to safeguard the public,” Kodhe said.
The engagement brought together policymakers, civil society organizations, and digital security specialists to discuss strategies for regulating online content, improving digital literacy, and enhancing law enforcement mechanisms to respond effectively to cybercrimes.
Experts highlighted the importance of:Strengthening collaboration between state agencies and tech platforms.
Implementing clear policies to curb misinformation and digital exploitation.Educating the public on safe online practices.Enhancing reporting mechanisms for online abuse and cyber threats.
The forum concluded with a call for continuous monitoring, policy reforms, and multi-stakeholder partnerships to ensure Kenya and the region are better equipped to combat online harms.
