MESC REGISTERS CONCERNS WITH FREE WI-FI OFFER
By: Eirenei Ariu Toleafoa
The Ministry of Education, Sports and Culture (MESC) has registered concerns with the “Free Wi-Fi for schools” Project by Netvo Samoa, FAST and associated partners initiative noting that paramount to the Ministry is “the importance of appropriate security solutions for content filtering (firewall) concerning risks for all schools in Samoa, particularly students.”
“The newly launched “Free Wi-Fi for schools” Project by Netvo Samoa, FAST and associated partners provides great prospect for an improved access to the internet and information for learning. However, the absence of appropriate security solutions for content filtering (firewall) is a major concern and a risk for our schools, and particularly our students,” reiterated MESC Chief Executive Afamasaga Karoline Afamasaga-Fuata’i in a press statement.
She noted that Government through the MESC also provide security of the internet connections for all schools in Samoa for safeguard on both teachers and students to access only educational and appropriate websites.
“Most critical for MESC is the security of the internet connections for schools to ensure teachers and students can access only educational and appropriate websites for teaching and learning. This has been achieved through multiple layers of security (firewalls) which provide content filtering and cyber-security protection,” continued Afamasaga.
“Students should be able to safely explore how the Internet offers an amazing way to collaborate with others worldwide and learn at their own pace, while staying safe through employing strategies such as content filters and training people to know the difference between inappropriate content and positive online connections.”
The new Wi-Fi has since been suspended while inquiries by the appropriate government officials and agencies are continuing.
