Proposed Digital Trade Policy Aims to Combat Online Scams

With increasing numbers of Rwandan consumers turning to online marketplaces like Facebook Marketplace, Instagram, WhatsApp, Amazon, Kikuu, and various others for purchases, incidents of fraud are escalating. Frequently, people end up paying for items they do not get, receiving fake merchandise instead, or being cut off from sellers post-payment. Addressing this surge in fraudulent activities, authorities assert that combating scammers alone isn't sufficient; fostering a protected and lawful digital trading landscape is essential too. "Our main issue stems from inadequate infrastructure," stated Prudence Sebahizi, the Minister of Trade and Industry. He added during his interview with The New Times that the administration plans to draft a comprehensive digital trade policy designed to establish regulatory norms within the realm of internet commerce. "From our standpoint as policymakers, we're implementing a Digital Trade Policy intended to offer a legitimate framework enabling enterprises to function securely," he elaborated. Although deceptive practices happen globally, Mr. Sebahizi emphasized that Rwanda aims to adopt a broader perspective than merely addressing isolated instances. "We aim to cultivate a secure virtual marketplace via collaborative legislation, robust technology implementations, institutional frameworks, and heightened consumer education. Our encouragement leans towards sanctioned platforms equipped with KYC certification. Several initiatives are underway—we simply require cohesive execution." Know Your Customer (KYC) refers to procedures used by banks and companies alike to confirm customer identities upon initial engagement. In discussing strategies to bolster confidence amongst citizens regarding online transactions, Sebahizi acknowledged the gradual nature of achieving widespread faith yet affirmed Rwanda's dedication toward crafting an operational space free from apprehensions for purchasers and vendors. Besides revisiting statutes concerning electronic commercial activity, computer crime prevention, and information safeguarding regulations, additional steps include endorsing reliable interconnective digital identification methods ensuring verifiability between transacting parties, setting up a nationwide center dedicated to cybersecurity oversight, adhering strictly to global benchmarks. Furthermore, governmental support extends to incorporating advanced security features into transactional processes, including encryption capabilities alongside trackable mechanisms akin to those provided under PAPPS, thereby enhancing overall system integrity.

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