As in many parts of the world, social media has become very popular, in our homeland Ghana too. Alas, they are also platforms and channels for the spread of fake news. And, worst of all, they enable the hardwon reputations of innocent people in Ghanaian society to be damaged with impunity by cowards hiding behind sundry monikers.
In light of that phenomenon, a view held by many deeply religious Ghanaians, is that in order to protect the morality of our younger generations, it is crucial that as a people we have a national conversation about blocking access to unsuitable online content, which could erode the moral fabric of Ghanaian society.
As an old wag I know once said to me, when discussing the impact of social media and negative online content generally: "For example, what possible benefit to Ghanaian society can be derived from online pornographic websites, Kofi? Zilch. Full stop."
The question is: As a people, should we not be bold enough' to decide that in line with our traditional cultural values, we will not allow access to unsuitable online websites, and make it a crime to access such internet content in Ghana - with new laws passed to prescribe suitably stiff sentences for those who deliberately malign innocent people online and also defy laws banning access to named websites?
Within the context of the preservation of the best aspects of our cultural heritage, it will be difficult for anyone living in Ghana to claim that being denied access to pornographic websites (and other abhorent websites whose content is repugnant to our moral values), is an abuse of his or her fundamental human rights guaranteed by the 1992 Constitution underpinning our democracy.
As our contribution to kick-starting a national conversation about doing something concrete to eliminate the negative consequences of allowing unfettered access to online content in Ghana, and punishing those who go online to malign the innocent with impunity, today, to serve as inspiration for our ruling elites, we have culled an interesting news story from Gulf Business entitled: "UAE blocks Roblox, Blue Whale, Mariam other online games". It was written by Robert Anderson.
Please read on:
"Gulf Business
UAE blocks Roblox, Blue Whale, Mariam other online games
The country’s attorney general said the games were damaging to children’s health
Robert Anderson
Thursday 17 May 2018
AddThis Sharing Buttons
Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedInShare to EmailShare to More
The UAE’s attorney general has ordered several popular online gaming sites and smartphone apps to be blocked in the country due to concerns they are damaging children’s health.
The affected titles include massive multiplayer online game Roblox, doll app My Friend Cayla, Blue Whale (unspecified), messaging app Cloudpets and Saudi online horror game Mariam, according to state news agency WAM.
“The move follows reports received by the attorney general on the adverse impact of these games on youngsters’ behaviour and their infiltration into their personal and family lives, while pushing them into adopting forms of conduct that threaten the society,” WAM said.
Attorney general Dr Hamad Saif Al Shamsi has assigned the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority to take necessary steps to restrict the sites and apps in collaboration with telecoms and internet providers.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has also been assigned to continue investiging the content of other sites and apps suspected of having a similar impact on young people and will report its findings to the Public Attorney.
Blue Whale controversy
The Blue Whale Game has become a social media phenomenon over the last two years in various countries.
The game is said to involve the assigning of a series of tasks by administrators over a 50-day period, with the final challenge to commit suicide.
It was unclear if the attorney general was referring to a specific smartphone app or website or a blanket ban on any sites linked to the Blue Whale concept.
Gulf News reported last month that Dubai Police were investigating whether the suicides of two Filipino students aged 15 and 16 were linked to the game. Media reports across the world have also connected numerous other suicides with participation in the game.
Sharjah and Dubai Police issued warnings to parents last year urging them not to allow their children to play Mariam, which has been compared to the Blue Whale Game, according to the publication.
Of the games affected Roblox is the most popular in terms of raw downloads with a global user base claimed to exceed 56 million players.
The UAE restricts various other forms of online content related to pornography, gambling, certain political views and illegal downloads.
Voice over internet protocol services like Microsoft’s Skype and Apple’s FaceTime are blocked in the country.
Read: UAE’s telecoms regulator in talks to lift Skype, FaceTime ban
AddThis Sharing Buttons
Share to FacebookShare to TwitterShare to LinkedInShare to EmailShare to More
Also from our network
Morocco's World Cup kit still isn't out yet... and for good reason
What are a tenant’s rights after a residential fire in Dubai?
Sonam Kapoor's wedding reception was incredibly stylish
The Huawei P20 is like a flagship smartphone pick n mix - Stuff Middle East
Why Queen Rania is making us feel full of the joys of spring
You have to read Priyanka Chopra's heartfelt tribute to Meghan Markle
Rights group asks UAE for whereabouts of Dubai princess Sheikha Latifa - Gulf Business
$2700-a-year London private members club to open Dubai location - Gulf Business
ALSO READ
Anki taps into growing UAE market for toys, games
Anki taps into growing UAE market for toys, games
Criminals using e-games to ‘radicalise’ youth – UAE’s telecoms authority
Criminals using e-games to ‘radicalise’ youth – UAE’s telecoms authority
Online Content: Bridging The Arabic Gap
Online Content: Bridging The Arabic Gap
Online pirate jailed for illegally uploading OSN content
Online pirate jailed for illegally uploading OSN content
Online Video Key To Monetising News Content
Online Video Key To Monetising News Content
The UAE Should Publish More Data Online – UN Expert
The UAE Should Publish More Data Online – UN Expert
UAE gets set to host 2019 Special Olympics World Games
UAE gets set to host 2019 Special Olympics World Games
UEFA Euro 2016 games to be screened at VOX Cinemas in the UAE
UEFA Euro 2016 games to be screened at VOX Cinemas in the UAE
Lists
Top 50 GCC Banks 2017
Top 100 Most Powerful Arabs 2017
Top 100 GCC Companies 2016
Top 50 GCC Banks 2016
Top 50 GCC Banks 2015
Top 100 Powerful Arabs 2015
Advertisement
Most Read
Dubai's RTA announces Ramadan bus, metro, paid parking times
Dubai Marina tower catches fire
Dubai allows transit passengers to leave airport for tours
UAE blocks Roblox, Blue Whale, Mariam other online games
UAE declares Ramadan start date
UAE orders formation of Ramadan moon sighting committee
UAE says will revoke expat work permits if there is an Emirati replacement
Saudi central bank predicts higher inflation in Q2
Abu Dhabi adjusts paid parking, bus times for Ramadan
Kuwait to delay VAT implementation until 2021
Editor's Picks
The Gulf Business Salary Survey 2018
Pictures: Saudi hosts first car exhibition for women
Ramadan FAQ: Everything you need to know about the holy month
UAE says influencers have two weeks to comply with new regulation
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR DAILY NEWSLETTER
Advertisement
Advertise With Us
Privacy Policy
Contact us
Subscribe
Copyright © 2018 by Gulf Business."
End of culled content from Gulf Business.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment