Government to consider mandatory ID verification for access to p0rnogr@phic websites

Minister for Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has disclosed that the government is preparing a policy proposal that would require individuals to verify their identity before accessing pornographic websites in Ghana.

Speaking at the 4th African Inter-Parliamentary Conference on Family, Sovereignty and Values, the Ningo-Prampram MP said the proposed measure is aimed at preventing children from being exposed to explicit online content.

According to him, the policy is currently being developed for Cabinet consideration and could require users to provide a driver’s licence or a national identification card before accessing adult websites.

“We’re working on going to Cabinet on that to make sure that before you access any X-rated site, you must put either your driver’s licence or your national ID card, so that we know who you are and who is going to that site to prevent children from being exposed to such content,” he stated.

Mr George pointed to measures being implemented in the United Kingdom as an example of efforts to restrict minors’ access to online pornography.

“Today in the United Kingdom, for you to access a pornographic website, you need to put your driver’s licence for them to be able to determine that you are 18 years,” he said.

The Minister argued that unrestricted exposure to pornographic content at a young age could have adverse effects on children’s development, values and decision-making.

“This is the real threat. Because when a child is oversexualised at an early age, it affects their development, it affects their thinking, it affects even their morality and their values and their standards,” he noted.

Mr George said the proposal forms part of broader efforts to strengthen child protection online and preserve family values.

He also renewed his support for the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, popularly known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, arguing that one of its central objectives is the protection of children.

“When my colleagues and I in Ghana introduced the Family Values Bill, one of our key arguments has been that we’re fighting for the innocence of Ghanaian children because our children must be protected,” he said.

The Communications Minister maintained that Ghana has a responsibility to safeguard its cultural and family values while ensuring a safer digital environment for future generations.