3 - Strategic Objectives and Quantitative Targets 3- Maintaining a legislative environment conducive to ICT sector growth and investment 2- Internet-related issues, information exchange and access, and freedom of expression The strategy involves the amendment of a number of existing laws. The Telecommunications Law No. 10 of 2003, for example, contains certain articles that require amendment in line with Egypt’s democratic transition that will promote political openness and protect freedom of expression. Additionally, a number of new laws and regulations will be prepared, drafted and activated covering areas including freedom of information, cybersecurity and e-commerce. There are also plans to develop labor laws related to working at home and parttime and temporary employment for university students, which will increase the number of people working in outsourcing. The strategy focuses on various internet-related issues, including the right of citizens to unrestricted communication, an open internet, strong social networks, internet privacy, public radio frequencies, public websites, public digital services, freedom of movement and association in cyberspace, freedom of expression, unrestricted access to information, the right of education and access to information technology that could be used indiscriminately and protection of intellectual property. Second: Promoting digital citizenship and information society 1- Using ICTs to empower the elderly and people with disabilities, and serve marginalized and remote communities This will be achieved through developing mail services, introducing new services that contribute to solving community problems, raising the proportion of households with personal computers to 40%, and providing a national network of 1,000 Technology Homes and 2,000 IT Clubs. These services give priority to people with disabilities, including those who sustained serious injuries during the 25 January Revolution. Programs have also been established to raise the ICT skill levels of women, particularly those who act as the sole breadwinners of their households. 24 25 3- Developing people’s ability to communicate and connect with their environment This will be achieved using information and communication cables and networks to guarantee citizens their right to personal communication and participation, open access to means of communication and unrestricted access to information. 4- Developing network security systems The strategy includes development of network security systems, to support the banking sector and online payment systems in particular. The increased use of online payment systems will promote development of the banking system and raise its efficiency. 5- Online safety and privacy Successful promotion of online safety requires cooperation between concerned government authorities, the private sector and civil society focusing on raising public awareness and empowerment. The aim is to enable people to protect themselves and their children online, particularly on social networks, and in their use of mobile phones. Third: Promoting sustainable development 1- Improving basic services in the fields of education, healthcare, environment and ensuring the delivery of subsidy to people who deserve it The success of initiatives targeting integrated development depends largely on the availability of easy-to-access high-quality basic services and the readiness of local communities to evaluate and guarantee the quality of these services. In this context, the following three basic targets have been identified: Poverty reduction and the raising of living standards in identified local communities through empowerment, facilitating market access, improving education and training services, and developing basic infrastructure networks , Ensuring local communities ownership of the services received through their involvement in evaluating the quality of these services Building a relationship of trust between the government and local communities. Indeed, the improvement of the quality and scope of basic services reflects the government’s commitment to respect, meet and safeguard , citizens rights and to save natural resources in the interest of future generations In support of these objectives, the strategy aims to support and develop the key sectors of education and healthcare through the use of ICTs. In education, this includes the use of computers and high-speed internet in educational institutions across the country and the development of ICT-based education programs and materials, especially for university students. This will allow Egyptian graduates to compete in the global market and enable Egypt to produce and develop ICT tools and software to international standards. In healthcare, the strategy targets improvement of services, particularly for marginalized and remote communities, as well as improving support systems, enhancing management and use of state resources, and reducing expenditure. In this context, the development of ICT infrastructure for government bodies that supports digital identity systems will provide citizens with more secure, better and faster services and support the transition to a knowledge-based society. The strategy also aims to promote the development of mobile services, expansion of mobile coverage in underserved areas, adherence to global standards in environmental and health protection related to mobile stations, development of mobile internet access services, use of geo data bases and similar systems, and use of ICTs to monitor and facilitate adaptation to climate change. 2- Using ICTs to develop legislative, judicial and executive institutions The integration of ICTs will raise the efficiency of state institutions, developing their performance, increasing productivity, improving response time, facilitating community participation and boosting transparency. These efforts include measures to promote the use of e-signature applications by government institutions and to , develop key sectors through ICTs integration, including industry, commerce, transport, justice and tourism. Development of the legislative structure is essential to maintain an environment conducive to the further spread of ICT use.