Rwanda Moves to Curb Online Pornography as New Child Protection Policy Takes Effect

Pornographic websites continue to rank among the top 20 most visited platforms in Rwanda a troubling reality in a country where children can easily access such content without restriction.

Recognizing the growing risks children face in the digital age, the Government of Rwanda has introduced a National Policy for the Protection of Children in the Digital Environment, a framework aimed at shielding minors from online harm and promoting safer internet use.

Unveiled in September 2025, the policy outlines comprehensive measures to tackle the challenges children encounter online from exposure to harmful content to digital exploitation.

Under the new policy, government institutions and internet service providers (ISPs) will collaborate to establish mechanisms that can detect and block harmful materials targeting or affecting children. Companies that fail to remove inappropriate content once flagged will face sanctions, guided by clear laws and regulations.

The plan also calls for robust monitoring systems to identify and deter potential cyber offenders, aligned with international best practices in digital governance.

One of the key strategies includes setting ethical and behavioral standards for technology developers and service providers to ensure digital products and services align with Rwandan cultural values and prioritize child safety.

Among the primary objectives are:

• Preventing children from accessing age-inappropriate or harmful materials,
• Protecting their personal data online,
• Addressing data-sharing challenges across interconnected digital platforms and smart devices,
• Regulating online advertising based on user age groups, and
• Requiring online platforms to clearly label or restrict content unsuitable for minors.

The policy also envisions the creation of a toll-free hotline where citizens can report harmful content, seek expert support, or request the removal or suspension of unsafe websites.

Children under 18 make up nearly half of Rwanda’s population, and as the country accelerates its digital transformation moving public services, banking, and commerce online the need for a child-safe internet becomes ever more urgent.

The Child Online Protection Policy emphasizes both empowerment and safety: ensuring every child can benefit from the internet’s opportunities while being protected from its dangers.

To support its implementation, the government has already strengthened its digital infrastructure and legal frameworks on technology development, cybersecurity, and child rights protection.

The policy outlines a multi-agency approach involving key institutions including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Gender and Family Promotion, Ministry of Local Government, Ministry of ICT and Innovation, the Rwanda Investigation Bureau (RIB), RURA, RISA, REB, and the Rwanda National Police, among others.

Over a five-year implementation period, Rwanda plans to invest approximately 1.52 billion Rwandan francs (about $1.2 million) to operationalize the policy marking a significant step in the country’s effort to ensure that the digital future is safe for every child.