6.0. POLICY FOCUS AREAS 6.1 LEGAL, AND REGULATORY FRAMEWORKS Gaps currently exist in legal and regulatory support for the ICT sector which this Policy aims to address. The Policy defines the legal framework within which various aspects of the Somali ICT sector operate, in addition to the existing regulations relating to different areas of the sector and business operations more generally. For the identified activities to take place effectively, it is necessary that the legal framework is in alignment with requirements of the information economy and international best practices for engendering trust and confidence amongst all stakeholders. In this respect, the ICT regulator (NCA) will aim to ensure its credibility as independent, effective, transparent and fair in ensuring adherence to legal provisions and regulatory practices. 6.1.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES 1. Universal access to affordable voice, broadband and postal services is available with quality of service levels equivalentto international benchmarks 2. Critical ICT infrastructure is well protected and effective response mechanisms are in place to deal with cybersecurity issues and physical disasters 3. Transparency, trust and interconnection/interoperability is present between all public networks and between different electronic payments platforms 4. Citizens are well protected and have trust in using public networks and services, supported by privacy policies & regulation for general data protection, freedom of information and freedom of expression 6.1.2 STRATEGIES 1. Review, and facilitate, where necessary, the modification of existing or enactment of new laws that would enhance the development of the ICT sector for national growth, and anticipates future development of the sector 2. Ensure physical ICT infrastructure is legally protected and cyber-security measures are in place 3. Limit the regulatory burden on the private sector with ‘light touch’ customer-centric regulation to promote innovation and encourage the free flow of information while ensuring the necessary checks and balances are in place that ensures the protection of the public, a level playing field and sustainability/reliability of services. 4. Align legal provisions with the needs of the information economy and with international norms 5. Ensure the protection of the citizen and the transparency of the industry, including in e-payments systems, government information systems, social media and other electronic platforms 6. Provide support for technical training for those responsible for implementing the policy. 23