Director Bah made this remark at the 8th edition of Consumer Parliament organised by his office on Saturday.
The theme of this year's Consumer Parliament was: ‘Building Youth Resilience: Ensuring Fair Utility Services and Combatting Cyberbullying’.
He said the rise of digital platforms has transformed the way people communicate, while on the other hand, has also created new avenues for harassment, abuse, and misinformation.
He added that PURA, as a regulator of the Information Communication Technology (ICT) sector, recognises its role in educating and empowering young people to use technology responsibly and protect themselves against these risks.
He mentioned that cyberbullying has become an increasingly serious issue, and as the regulatory body, they have a shared duty and responsibility to engage in open discussion to raise awareness of these threats and encourage protective measures.
"It is crucial that we foster a culture of respect and kindness in our digital interactions, empowering individuals to stand against bullying in all its forms," he said.
Further, he said it is undeniable that technology serves as a double-edged sword. While it brings great benefits, it also poses risks, particularly to young people who are often the most vulnerable.
According to him, the Consumer Parliament serves as a platform for collaboration among stakeholders from government agencies to service providers and consumers. “By coming together, we can identify challenges, share solutions, and forge a path toward a more equitable and just society.”
Alieu M. Ngum, the board chairman of Public Utilities and Regulatory Authority (PURA), said that PURA is committed to collaborate with stakeholders to develop a clear roadmap to address consumer issues in the regulated sector, particularly those affecting young people.
He added that PURA is dedicated to implementing appropriate regulatory measures and educating young people on responsible digital usage and other regulated utilities.
He also indicated that the rapid evolution of Information and Communication Technologies (ITC) has revolutionised communication, transcending geographical boundaries. "The internet has transformed the world into a global village."However, despite this advancement, the security of online communication and transactions remains a paramount concern".
"Cybersecurity, the protection of systems, networks, and data in cyberspace, is paramount as internet connectivity expands globally," he said.
Jamilatou Saidy Leigh, the director of Consumer Affairs at the Public Utilities and Regulatory Authority, said that the gathering underscores PURA's commitment to transparency and accountability, encouraging service providers to engage directly with consumers, hear their challenges, and respond to their needs.
She noted that the forum was an ideal setting to address the pertinent issues that impact all from service quality to fair pricing and accessibility.
According to her, raising awareness is a core mission of the authority and the Consumer Parliament exemplifies that commitment by fostering a direct line of communication between service providers and the consumers they serve.
