In a recent update to Parliament’s Select Committee on Economic Development, the FPB outlined its ongoing work to curb the spread of content that promotes hate speech, glorifies war, shares intimate images without consent, or involves child sexual exploitation.

Acting Chief Executive Officer Ephraim Tlhako stressed the urgency of addressing these dangers. “Predators are active online, and unfortunately, children are easy targets,” he said. “We’re engaging with all major platforms, not just specific ones,to ensure harmful content is taken down quickly.”

Tlhako acknowledged that response times from platforms remain a challenge, noting that by the time some material is flagged, it has often already spread. “We’re calling for quicker action from platforms, ideally before such content gains traction,” he added.

The Board is working alongside law enforcement and internet service providers to enforce takedown notices and expand awareness efforts through schools and communities. Part of the FPB’s strategy also includes education initiatives aimed at equipping parents, teachers, and learners with the tools to navigate the digital world safely.

The rise in self-generated child abuse content, often produced unknowingly by minors, has been particularly concerning. Tlhako urged communities to remain alert and to work collaboratively in safeguarding SA’s online spaces.

--ChannelAfrica--