The Minister of Information and Communication Technology, Stanley Simaata says the Namibian Government has no desire to restrict the use of the Internet and social media. He made the remark on Wednesday while delivering the keynote address at the official opening of the Namibia Internet Governance Forum. The forum is a discussion platform for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) stakeholders to engage on Internet governance matters. Simaata said Government has a responsibility to safeguard citizens who may be harmed by social media offenders who use the Internet to cause harm to others. “There are people who use the Internet and social media to spread unverified and inaccurate information and if we as stakeholders tolerate them, then there is a risk of Government making laws to restrict its use,” Simaata cautioned. He said if not properly managed, the Internet may become a hotbed for unverified, invalidated and inaccurate information which will harm innocent social media users. Simaata further highlighted the need for the forum to find ways to mitigate threats to the security of personal data, security of corporations and institutions as well as the security of the nation state. The minister warned stakeholders in the ICT industry to not undermine the security of the nation-state because it is only when the country is secure that citizens will continue to enjoy their full rights and privileges guaranteed by the Namibian constitution. He said the moment the security of the state is compromised, the use of the Internet will also be compromised. He, therefore, urged participants at the forum to continue inviting the ICT ministry to such forums in order for all Namibians to derive maximum benefits from the use of the Internet. Other notable speakers at the event included renowned Information and Communication Technology stakeholders Deonerica Kuhlman, who is the owner and station manager of online community radio Kuhl FM, as well as Kehad Snydewel, the Managing Director at Green Enterprise solutions.