By Theresa Vamboi
Cybercrime has become an important issue to be addressed by the Parliament of Sierra Leone in order to tackle cyber-crime, corruption, terrorism etc.
MPs have demonstrated this need last week when they summoned the leaders of the State regulator of telecoms, NATCOM in Parliament to report their preparedness for these issues.
The meeting was graced by many NATCOM officials at Committee Room No. 1 where Hon. Mathew Nyumah, the Deputy Leader of the SLPP in Parliament vowed to be very active in curbing any cyber-crime and terrorism activities in the country.
The meeting achieved its purpose as members of the committee were briefed by NATCOM on the strategies and modalities to detect, expos and arrest suspects of terrorism, cyber-crime, fraud, corruption etc. NATCOM said they are effectively monitoring all mobile companies in the country doing business within the scope of the international gateway which are also bound by statutes to tackle cyber security in close collaboration with the Office of National Security (ONS) and the Criminal Investigations Department (CID).
NATCOM also faced a barrage of questions from the Committee on the numerous complaints from citizens and other nationals about the poor quality of service of all mobile companies, especially with drop calls, voice calls and the persistent allegations of credit theft and high rates of data charges for internet connection.
These were responded to by NATCOM Managing Director Maxwell Massaquoi without argument rather assurances of strict compliance with the law. “We are well on course in addressing the challenges posed by terrorism and to curb cyber–crime, adding they are also working hand in gloves with other security apparatus, especially ONS”, he stated, and thanked the Committee for organising the meeting which he described as timely; adding that it is now time for the Committee and NATCOM to partner and work together to rejuvenate the New Direction’s policy on technological innovation to meet international best practice.
The MD also assured and confirmed to the Committee that under his leadership, they will continue to engage the service providers to address all complaints and also demand value for money from them.
