Accra, Ghana – Communications Minister Samuel Nartey George announced Ghana’s intention to implement mandatory identity verification for access to pornographic websites, a move aimed at shielding children from explicit content. The proposal, which seeks to model the UK’s now-defunct age verification regime, requires users to present a National Identity Card or driver’s license to confirm they are over 18. While the goal of protecting minors resonates with the public and is supported by Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, experts question the technical feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed solution.
Public Support Amidst Moral Concerns
The proposal has garnered sympathy from a segment of the Ghanaian public, who largely agree with the objective of protecting children. Many residents expressed that easier access to pornography via smartphones today contrasts with previous generations’ experiences. Some acknowledged personal use of adult content but supported restrictions for the youth.
A key reason for public support stems from the logic that minors cannot obtain a national identity card, thus creating a barrier to accessing adult sites. This intuitive mapping of real-world age restrictions to the digital space, similar to purchasing alcohol or voting, resonates with citizens’ understanding of necessary controls.
Technical and Data Protection Dilemmas
Abubakar Issaka, President of the Cybersecurity Experts Association of Ghana, outlined two primary infrastructure models for implementing such a system, each presenting significant challenges. The first involves the government building its own verification portal, requiring collaboration with telecommunication companies to redirect users attempting to access adult sites to a government-controlled gateway for identity confirmation.
This option, while offering more domestic control, is deemed extraordinarily expensive, necessitating substantial investment in infrastructure that does not currently exist. It would require ongoing maintenance and operation in partnership with the nation’s mobile network operators.
The second model poses a more severe risk: granting foreign adult websites direct access to Ghana’s national identity database via an Application Programming Interface (API). This would allow external platforms to query user data, raising critical data protection concerns. Issaka warned that this approach would effectively hand over citizen data sovereignty to entities outside Ghana’s legal and regulatory control.
The Bypass Problem: VPNs and Evolving Content Distribution
Even if the more secure, albeit costly, government portal is established, a fundamental bypass problem remains. Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are widely available and can mask a user’s location, routing internet traffic through servers in other countries. This allows users in Ghana to appear as if they are browsing from elsewhere, rendering the government’s verification gateway ineffective.
Furthermore, experts point out that dedicated adult websites are no longer the primary source of explicit content for younger users. Much of this content now circulates on social media platforms like Telegram and Instagram, where live streams and direct sharing of explicit material occur with minimal oversight.
Issaka highlighted that content readily available on platforms like Telegram bypasses the need to access restricted websites. The assumption that pornography is mainly accessed through traditional adult sites reflects an outdated understanding of online content distribution.
Lessons from the UK’s Failed Attempt
Ghana’s proposed policy draws inspiration from the UK’s age verification system, which was ultimately scrapped. Introduced under the Digital Economy Act in 2019, the UK’s plan required users to verify their age using credit card details, official IDs, or third-party services. However, it faced years of delays and was abandoned due to privacy concerns, implementation complexities, and the very bypass loopholes now identified in Ghana’s proposal.
The UK has since shifted its focus to the Online Safety Act of 2023, which employs a broader, platform-centred framework emphasizing parental controls and accountability for online platforms rather than gateway verification.
Alternative Approaches: Strengthening Existing Laws and Digital Literacy
Experts suggest strengthening existing legislation, such as Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act (Act 1038) and the Electronic Transactions Act (Act 775), which are currently under amendment. These existing legal vehicles could be utilized to enhance child online protection measures without creating new regulatory instruments.
Emphasis is also placed on implementing robust parental controls. Issaka cited the government’s distribution of tablets to senior high school students, which lacked technical restrictions, as a missed opportunity. He advocated for widespread awareness and adoption of tools like Google’s Family Link.
Improving digital literacy and cybersecurity capacity is crucial. Ghana’s low ranking on the ITU’s Global Cybersecurity Index indicates a need for greater public awareness regarding online dangers, particularly for parents. Experts suggest that increased investment in capacity building and public education is vital.
Looking Ahead: Cabinet Review and Evolving Strategies
The proposal is yet to be presented to Ghana’s Cabinet, and its survival in its current form is uncertain. Experts doubt it will be tabled for discussion due to its inherent technical and practical flaws. The ongoing amendments to the Cybersecurity Act and Electronic Transactions Act offer existing legislative pathways to address child online protection more effectively.
The conversation around safeguarding children online is expected to continue, with policymakers, civil society, and the tech community needing to address issues of parental controls, platform accountability, digital literacy, and the adequacy of current laws. The effectiveness of future strategies will depend on adapting to the evolving digital landscape and learning from international experiences.
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