Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-The Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) has raised alarm over harmful content being posted on digital platforms, saying it now posed a grave, escalating threat to minors.
The regional body highlighted that children are increasingly being exposed to dangerous materials online, which coerce them into imitating risky and violent acts, leading to potential physical and psychological harm.
In an interview on Friday, director, Consumer Welfare and Advocacy at COMESA’s Competition Commission, Steven Kamukama said it was sad that people were being coached online how to terminate their lives, adding that as a regional body, it was now addressing the digital threats.
He highlighted that COMESA had developed a new Consumer Protection Model Law, crafted by all 21 member states through the COMESA Consumer Protection Committee.
“This new law guarantees consumer rights and ensures equal protection for physical and digital products.
“Digital content is now a serious problem. Children watch harmful videos and try to imitate dangerous acts. People are being coached online on how to commit suicide. We have expanded the law to address these digital threats,” he said.
Kamukama also raised alarm over how digital platforms are exploiting personal data, saying the new law addresses the violation of consumer data and privacy.
“WhatsApp, Facebook and others are not free. You pay with your personal data, which they convert into money. Our law now addresses the violation of consumer data and privacy.
“Other key features in the new model law include provisions for environmental protection, strengthened rules on misleading claims, protection against unsafe goods, and new digital-age consumer rights,” he said.
However, Kamukama said the current regional law is inadequate, adding that for best practice the continent should have effective institutions, enough technical experts and strong enforcement mechanisms.
“We have amended our regional law, and it will be approved by the Council of Ministers before the end of this year. Next year, we shall have a new law addressing all these modern issues,” said Kamukama.
“We are creating a digital platform so member states can quickly alert us about unsafe products. We will be able to survey markets and respond together,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kamukama highlighted that counterfeits in electronics was also on the rise, saying six percent of such products traded in Africa were counterfeits and contributing 2,9 million of e-waste annually.
New Ziana
