ABU DHABI // Experts meet in the capital today to discuss protecting children from online abuse.
The Virtual Global Task force (VGT) is convening for the first time in the Middle East at a three-day conference at Yas Hotel.
The conference, themed "Youth and the VGT - Together Forward", will discuss the task force's plan for further expansion, the addition of new members and the implementation of new strategies to fight child abuse.
This includes the application of the Child Exploitation Tracking System, a tool by Microsoft that tracks online activity and is designed to identify anyone who might abuse children via the internet.
The UAE joined the VGT in March last year and is represented by the Ministry of Interior Higher Committee for Child Protection.
The committee is also forming partnerships with other international institutions that implement child protection laws in an effort to join the fight on a global front.
Maj Gen Nasser al Nuaimi, the secretary general to the minister of interior, said that the goal of this conference was to protect UAE children from the dangers of technology, adding that the conference will be used as an opportunity to explore new techniques of countering online child abuse. A series of media campaigns is being planned, and the committee will introduce a number of academic and training programs to raise community awareness, said Lt Col Faisal al Shimry, liaison officer with the VGT and media co-ordinator.
The VGT was established in 2003 to fight online child abuse, and aims to dismantle global paedophile networks, co-ordinate covert internet investigations, share and develop intelligence and target sex offenders. The task force includes agencies in the US, UK, Canada and Australia, as well as Interpol.
mismail@thenational.ae
Formula Middle East Calendar (Formula Regional and Formula 4)
Round 1: January 17-19, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 2: January 22-23, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 3: February 7-9, Dubai Autodrome – Dubai
Round 4: February 14-16, Yas Marina Circuit – Abu Dhabi
Round 5: February 25-27, Jeddah Corniche Circuit – Saudi Arabia
Simran
Director Hansal Mehta
Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Soham Shah, Esha Tiwari Pandey
Three stars
Election pledges on migration
CDU: "Now is the time to control the German borders and enforce strict border rejections"
SPD: "Border closures and blanket rejections at internal borders contradict the spirit of a common area of freedom"
THE BIO:
Favourite holiday destination: Thailand. I go every year and I’m obsessed with the fitness camps there.
Favourite book: Born to Run by Christopher McDougall. It’s an amazing story about barefoot running.
Favourite film: A League of their Own. I used to love watching it in my granny’s house when I was seven.
Personal motto: Believe it and you can achieve it.
Fixtures
Sunday, December 8, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v USA
Monday, December 9, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – USA v Scotland
Wednesday, December 11, Sharjah Cricket Stadium – UAE v Scotland
Thursday, December 12, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v USA
Saturday, December 14, ICC Academy, Dubai – USA v Scotland
Sunday, December 15, ICC Academy, Dubai – UAE v Scotland
Note: All matches start at 10am, admission is free
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A State of Passion
Directors: Carol Mansour and Muna Khalidi
Stars: Dr Ghassan Abu-Sittah
Rating: 4/5
Three ways to get a gratitude glow
By committing to at least one of these daily, you can bring more gratitude into your life, says Ong.
- During your morning skincare routine, name five things you are thankful for about yourself.
- As you finish your skincare routine, look yourself in the eye and speak an affirmation, such as: “I am grateful for every part of me, including my ability to take care of my skin.”
- In the evening, take some deep breaths, notice how your skin feels, and listen for what your skin is grateful for.
Ms Yang's top tips for parents new to the UAE
- Join parent networks
- Look beyond school fees
- Keep an open mind
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Tuesday's fixtures
Kyrgyzstan v Qatar, 5.45pm
MATCH INFO
Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:
Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE
Game is on BeIN Sports
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