FACILITATING NATIONAL SECURITY AND LAW AND ORDER Policy Context The deployment, exploitation and utilization of ICTs within the economy and society raises a number of security and privacy and consumer protection issues that need to be address as part of the efforts to facilitate the socio-economic development process of the country. Some of these security concerns have national security and law and order implications while others relate to the protection of individuals and organizations from unlawful acts using the technology. Specific examples include cyber-crimes which have national security implications, unlawful access to critical information, computer and communications networks and resources; electronic frauds targeted mainly at the banks and the financial sector among others. In most countries, security of networks and communications has been identified as a major area of concern for the development of the digital economy. Networks and information systems are now supporting services and carrying data and information of great value to governments business and individuals. The transmission of sensitive and critical information through local and global electronic messaging networks involves an element of security risk to governments, organizations and business establishments. Increased protection of the networks and information systems is therefore necessary to guide against various types of attacks and unauthorized access. Also the growth of attacks and fraud conducted on electronic messaging and communications networks and system in the recent years threatens to undermine consumers’ confidence in online services, electronic commerce and the effective functioning of electronic markets and government systems. The Government acknowledges the need for a policy statement on how these security issues can be addressed within the broad policy framework aimed at the development of Ghana’s information and knowledge-based society and economy. The Policy Statement The Government is committed to putting in place policy measures and mechanisms to address national security and law and order issues relating to the deployment exploitation and the utilization of ICTs within the economy and society. As part of this commitment, policy directives shall be put in place to address security issues relating to privacy, data and consumer protection as well as those relating to the security of computer networks and information systems and their information and data contents. Specific attention shall be devoted to addressing national security issues relating to protection of government computer networks and information systems against various types of attacks on their availability, authenticity, integrity and confidentiality. Policy mechanisms, and measures shall also be put in place aimed at the protection of the Ghanaian public from undesirable impacts of the digital age and economy in general and in particular those relating to the Internet including the spread of pornographic materials, cyber-crimes and digital frauds. Also to be targeted are national security and law and order implications of the Internet as well as issues relating to 75