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Banning internet calls 'fundamentally wrong' - Cyber security expert

His call comes on the wake of pleas from MTN and other telecommunication companies for a ban on Over-The-Top calls through social media apps.

 

According to him, such a move will contravene the key principles of the internet which requires accessibility, sanity and freedom to use the internet.

The NCA in a subsequent statement mentioned the numerous benefits of social media platforms to the average Ghanaian, but bemoaned the revenue loss caused by the use of these platforms for voice calls.

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The authority, which also bemoaned the inability of these calls to be taxed, and regulated, has said it is yet to take a decision on the matter.

But cyber security expert, Mr. Boasiako has strongly indicated that banning calls through social media is not the way to go.

"I must say that the ban on such services is fundamentally wrong. And that will be a backward attempt to deal with an issue which is dominating discussions globally.

"But I also have to admit here that Over-The-Top apps with platforms like the skype, viber, tango and the rest, they are impacting on the revenues of the telcos," he told Accra-based TV3.

He added that "This is a global problem and possibly ITU could be one of the avenues to look at."

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For a solution, the cyber security expert said "practically, we may in our regulation to also propose certain innovative billing and data bundling system."

He believed such a development will ensure that people pay more for making calls through the various social media platforms.

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