Cairo: Minister of Communications and Information Technology Raafat Hindy witnessed the launch of the www.wa3i.net electronic platform for the Digital Citizenship and Online Protection initiative. The launch, coinciding with Safer Internet Day, aims to build a secure digital society and empower all segments of society, especially children and youth, to use technology safely and responsibly while immunizing them against international cyber threats.
According to State Information Service Egypt, the event was attended by Dr. Sahar el-Sunbati, President of the National Council for Childhood and Motherhood (NCCM), alongside representatives from UNICEF and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP). "Wa3i.net" is one of the first integrated Arabic platforms specialized in digital citizenship, offering age-appropriate content for children, adolescents, parents, teachers, and the elderly. It focuses on building digital identities, developing critical thinking skills, managing digital risks, and protecting personal data.
The Ministry and the NCCM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize cooperation in child online protection. Hindy stated that the initiative aligns with political directives to protect citizens in cyberspace amidst accelerating digital transformation. He noted that the Ministry has presented an integrated plan to Parliament to address digital risks, including age-verification standards for gaming, blocking harmful apps, and integrating digital safety into school curricula.
Under the MoU, the Ministry will develop interactive educational content for the platform, ensuring accessibility for children with disabilities, while the NCCM will lead community awareness efforts and validate digital content for accuracy and suitability. Sunbati emphasized that digital protection is a national priority linked to children's rights to safety and development. The initiative has trained over 2,300 teachers and youths and reached thousands of parents and children through workshops and seminars across Egypt.