Google creates $1m fund to promote family safety online

World renowned technology giant, Google has announced the launch of a $1m pan-African fund to support innovative ideas around privacy, trust and the safety of families online across sub-Saharan Africa.

Google said the fund, which was unveiled at the commemoration of the 16th annual Safer Internet Day in Abuja on Tuesday, aimed to support initiatives across SSA.

Be Internet Awesome exists to help minors use and explore the Internet with safety and confidence. The Google.org grant will also provide funding for more initiatives and programmes aimed at educating children and families on how to use the Internet safely and with growing confidence.

“Google is committed to a safe Internet for children, as well as the empowerment of organisations who share this commitment,” Head of Brand and Reputation at Google Africa, Mojolaoluwa Aderemi-Makinde, said.

“The fund will be administered by a third-party partner on behalf of Google.org, and we will be sharing details on application criteria and deadlines soon,” she added.

Google also announced Be Internet Awesome, its landmark child online safety programme, which would commence in the Netherlands, Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya on February 13.