The Global Online Safety Regulators Network (GORSN) has recently announced the appointment of Dr. Mashilo Boloka as its Vice Chairperson. Dr. Boloka is the CEO of the South African Film and Publication Board (FPB) and will serve in this role starting in 2024. During GORSN’s first in-person meeting in London on September 12, 2023, hosted by the UK’s Communications Regulator, Office of Communications (OFCOM), the announcement was made.
OFCOM’s Gill Whitehead appointed as Chairperson
Gill Whitehead of OFCOM will serve as Chairperson of GORSN for the same period. The outgoing Chairperson, Julie Inman-Grant, expressed her confidence in the new leadership, stating that they are pleased to hand over the reins to OFCOM and are confident that the new Vice Chairperson, Mashilo Boloka, is incredibly energetic.
GORSN’s mission and members
GORSN serves as a platform for online regulators across the globe to promote online safety and share best practices for regulation. It was founded in November 2022, and its members include representatives from Fiji, Ireland, the UK, Australia, South Korea, and South Africa, with observer delegates also present.
The London meeting and working groups
During the London meeting, participants discussed the need for regulatory coherence and the importance of collaboration in addressing shared challenges. They agreed to establish a technology and public education working group.
Dr. Boloka’s thoughts on GORSN
Dr. Boloka is enthusiastic about the collaborative nature of the Network and its mission to fight borderless online harms, pursue harmonization to avoid fragmentation of online safety legislation, and promote online safety across the continents. As the only representative from the African continent, he is committed to making sure the voices of other regulators in Africa and the developing world are heard.
Dr. Boloka’s plans for GORSN
In his new role as Vice Chairperson, Dr. Boloka plans to encourage other regulators in Africa to join GORSN and to emphasize the benefits of working together to create a safer online environment and combat online harms wherever they exist. His appointment as Vice Chairperson follows the FPB’s acceptance as a member of GORSN in July 2023.
GORSN’s impact on online safety
GORSN’s focus on fostering collaboration and promoting best practices for online safety regulation is a crucial step towards creating a safer digital world. With Dr. Mashilo Boloka at the helm, the organization is well-positioned to make a significant impact on the safety and well-being of internet users across the globe.
