João Lourenço, who was speaking this Monday at the opening of Angotic, the International Forum of Information and Communication Technologies, introduced a political aspect in his speech on technologies, pointing out the good and bad uses of digital platforms, which can be used to incite riots and coups d'état.
Regarding digital platforms, "an important work and communication tool", João Lourenço considered that they can also be used for malefic and criminal purposes, to denigrate people or institutions, as well as organized crime and the organization of riots, rebellions and coups d'état.
"The problem is not digital technologies and platforms, but the good or bad use given by users, who must be educated from an early age that a tool made to produce wealth and knowledge can be used to destroy, divide, sow discord and create chaos," he warned.
The chief executive made recommendations on the use of the Internet and social networks that should be used above all for "academic, cultural and professional improvement" or for business promotion.
He also spoke about young people, underlining that the executive works for their "moral and civic education" and for the "defense of the noblest values of Christian culture and civilization", respect for family and neighbours, children and the elderly, of national and homeland symbols.
"We appeal, therefore, to our young people not to waste their precious time with negative things such as the propagation of rumours, intentionally forged lies, political intolerance and hatred", he exhorted.
He also left warnings to political parties to "abstain from radicalizing young people, using them as throwing weapons against their political opponents and, much less, against the homeland".
João Lourenço highlighted the importance of broadband networks, a fundamental tool to guarantee citizens access to the information society, and highlighted the need for the Internet to be within reach of most citizens.
In Angola, he continued, the telecommunications sector continues to grow. Putting the Angosat II satellite into orbit, fiber optic land and submarine connections to Cabinda, construction of an earth observation satellite, expansion of fiber optic broadband and participation in the international consortium of submarine fiber optic cable "2 Africa" were some of the examples he gave.
In addition, between 2021 and the first quarter of 2023 there was a 55 percent growth in the mobile telephone service, currently with a penetration rate of 71 percent, while the growth rate of Internet access was around 20 percent.
Angotic returned today for its 3rd edition after a three-year interruption due to the pandemic.
