Smart Axiata and APLE Cambodia Join Forces to Strengthen Child Online Protection in Cambodia

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the safety of children in the digital landscape, APLE Cambodia has partnered with Smart Axiata. This collaboration seeks to enhance efforts focused on protecting children online and safeguarding them against various forms of exploitation that can occur in the digital world.

A Landmark Event

On July 30, 2024, an online safety forum was co-organized by the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications and Smart Axiata. This forum was presided over by H.E. Chun Vat, the Secretary of State of the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications. During this forum, APLE and Smart Axiata formalized their partnership by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This agreement is an important step in establishing a strong framework for reporting online child exploitation cases. The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is more than just a formal agreement; it represents a commitment to take action and highlights the urgent need to tackle the increasing concerns about child safety in digital environments.

A Collective Responsibility

Seila Samleang, the Executive Director of APLE, took the opportunity to emphasize the crucial importance of this partnership. He articulated how this collaboration represents a shared responsibility among all stakeholders, including private companies, government agencies, and civil society organizations, to create safer digital environments for children. Seila pointed out that the digital world, while offering countless opportunities for learning and growth, also poses significant risks.

He further elaborated on the implications of this partnership, stating that it is a powerful example of how public-private partnerships can be harnessed to drive meaningful change. In an era where technology continues to evolve rapidly, it is essential for various sectors to come together and work collaboratively to protect children from potential online threats.

A Safer Internet for All

This initiative not only aims to prevent exploitation and support child victims but also sets a precedent for future collaborations between the public and private sectors aimed at addressing critical social issues.