The Ministry of Information and Communication Technology (MICT) has launched an ethical social media campaign that aims to encourage responsible online behaviour and tackle harmful practices.

The campaign aims to raise awareness among the public about the importance of using social media responsibly, respectfully, and ethically, and to foster a culture of integrity, empathy, and accountability in the digital footprint.

Although social media has taken centre stage to generate information, learning, and for research purposes, individuals are urged to be extra careful.

Information and Communication Technology Minister Emma Theofelus raised concerns over the impact of irresponsible social media usage in society. 

"Among the many issues are misinformation and disinformation, privacy, and mental health that affect thousands of our workforce, both adults and youth alike. We have lost so many of our productive citizens to the scourge of misinformation and disinformation and the lack of privacy, and the advent of mental health challenges. Therefore, as caring citizens, we should speak out against the ills of both the individual and society as a whole."

With various social media platforms on the rise, speakers at the event identified the need for digital literacy skills.

Police Inspector General Joseph Shikongo stated that the campaign aims to promote ethical responsibility and encourage all Namibians to think carefully before posting online.

"A single reckless post can destroy lives, careers, and reputations, and it can lead to the offender being taken into custody or imprisoned. It's just a caution that we wanted to give that all these things of posting on social media with impunity are harmful to another person. Through this campaign, the Namibian Police Force will undoubtedly collaborate with all stakeholders, including schools, universities, and community leaders, to educate citizens on safe and ethical online behaviour," said Shikongo. 

The Police Chief further warned that "The Namibian Police is ready to strengthen our safe crime units, build up capacity to detect, investigate, and prosecute social media-related offences, work with the prosecution, and work hand in hand with telecommunications companies and platform providers to track and keep online abuse."

He emphasised that the police are not restricting freedom of speech but encouraging responsible behaviour.