The International Center “La Strada” requests that the new Government Program include a distinct priority regarding the development of a safe and trustworthy digital ecosystem. The organization argues that digital safety must be treated as a national strategic priority, essential for digital transformation, economic development and the European path of the Republic of Moldova, reports IPN.

The representatives of the organization warn that online fraud, digital violence, sexual exploitation of children online, attacks on personal data, informational manipulation, and the impact of technologies on mental health are generating increasingly higher costs for education, health, justice and social protection systems, and are affecting the population’s trust in digital services.

In this context, “La Strada” requests the inclusion in the government program of a chapter dedicated to the development of a safe and trustworthy digital ecosystem. This would include the implementation of European standards regarding digital services, the protection of children and consumers in the online environment, the prevention and combating of online violence and crime, the accountability of digital platforms, the development of digital skills and the strengthening of reporting and support services for victims.

At the same time, the organization calls for the adoption, within the next 12 months, of a national program on digital safety and welfare, which will coordinate public policies in the field and align the Republic of Moldova with the standards of the European Union.

Another proposal aims at creating a permanent coordination platform among the authorities responsible for digital transformation, education, child protection, public order, justice, health, and electronic communications, and representatives of the academic environment, industry and civil society.

The designated Prime Minister, Vasile Tofan, is currently consulting with the business community, civil society, and political parties in order to form the new Government and to assemble the government program, which he is expected to present on July 21st in front of the parliamentarians to request a vote of confidence.