House approves cybersafety courses for public schools

By The Star Staff

The island House of Representatives unanimously approved (51-0) on Tuesday a measure filed by Rep. José Aponte Hernández that establishes an orientation campaign on the safe use of the internet and electronic media, and on possible cybercrimes, for students in public schools in Puerto Rico.

“The importance of technology in modern society is undeniable. In fact, the health crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic … has forced governments and families to incorporate the use of technology into education more rapidly and extensively than previously imagined,” Aponte notes in the bill’s Statement of Reasons. “However, with the rise of technological advances, illicit acts known as electronic crimes or cybercrimes have also emerged and proliferated.”

“Given the international reach of the Internet, cybercrime has become an organized and professional activity,” added the chairman of the House Committee on Federal and Veterans Affairs. “Cybercriminals exploit the vulnerability of networks and computers to gain access to valuable information such as personally identifiable information, financial data, and intellectual property. Criminals now use the Internet to commit extortion, fraud, money laundering, and theft, among other acts. Our children and young people are the most vulnerable group in these cases. Due to their innocence and immaturity, they are perfect victims for these criminals.”

House Bill 424 amends several standing laws in order to establish among the functions of the island Education Department the development and implementation -- in collaboration with the Department of Justice, the Puerto Rico Police Bureau, and the Office of Innovation and Technology Services -- annual cybersafety educational campaigns in public schools.