6.7.2 STRATEGIES 1. Conduct an assessment of innovation, research and development activities in Somalia 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Develop an innovation strategy with measurable targets through a multi-stakeholder approach Increase investment in ICT research and development generally Identify funding opportunities for increasing the number and distribution of tech/innovation hubs, co-working spaces and tech parks in Somalia Facilitate partnerships between public and private sectors in innovation and link R&D with private investment opportunities and business incentives in the ICT sector Support regular events which bring together technologists, researchers, businesses and entrepreneurs, such as the Mogadishu Tech Summit Review policies on taxes on ICT hardware and software needed by startups 6.8 E-COMMERCE, PROTECTION AND DATA PRIVACY The advent of the digital economy and e-commerce offers many potential opportunities for increased efficiency of doing business and access to new markets. At the same time, e-commerce has also brought about more extensive long-distance relationships between buyers and sellers. In this environment there is even greater need for consumer protection and data privacy legislation to protect consumer rights. Somalia does not yet have these protection laws, and this will need to be addressed in line with the UN Guidelines on Consumer Protection which now emphasizes the importance of enhancing consumer confidence in electronic commerce through transparent and effective consumer protection policies and privacy, ensuring a level of protection that is the same as that afforded in other forms of commerce. 6.8.1 POLICY OBJECTIVES 1. Online transactions have the same legal status as traditional physical interactions 2. Regulations and procedures support electronic transactions, recognise digital signatures and effectively protect the public from unfair and deceptive marketing practices, from unwarranted use of private customer information and other invasions of privacy resulting from use of their on online data. 3. Access is available to fair and timely dispute resolution mechanisms which offer expedient redress without undue cost or burden to the consumer Legislation defines the legalities of online transactions, child online protection and ensuring the admissibility of electronic evidence in court 4. 5. 34 Regulations cover advertising, point of sale, billing, information disclosure, contractual requirements, complaints procedures, privacy protection, customers with disabilities, and data protection