09 September 2009
Kingdom Of Bahrain Drives The Gulf's Internet Safety Agenda

Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain - Wednesday September 9, 2009, The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) has appointed Mr. Nick Truman as its Specialist ICT Security Advisor. Mr. Truman, who was most recently Head of Internet Security at the UK's largest Internet Service Provider (ISP) British Telecom (BT) was appointed this week to lead the activities of TRA, Government and industry in developing internet safety and security policies to support Bahrain becoming a world-class digital nation.

Mr. Truman, who has been involved in the Internet safety arena for more than a decade, was formerly responsible for developing and enforcing the policies under which the BT's customers used the Internet and for managing the company's Internet customer Security Team, as well as handling mass market Internet customer security issues.  He was also responsible for a range of world-leading safety initiatives, including BTCleanfeed, the first ever URL filter designed specifically to prevent UK users from accessing illegal images of child sexual abuse, which he has spoken about at conferences across the world.

In addition, Mr. Truman has served as a board director and chairman of the Family Online Safety Institute (FOSI, formally the Internet Content Ratings Association) and has sat on the board of the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). He was also a founding member of the UK's Home Secretary's Task Force for Children Protection on the Internet and has spoken at numerous Internet related events, including the Internet Crime Forum.

Alan Horne, TRA's General Director said: "The Internet is becoming an essential tool for everyone in Bahrain, but it presents us with a number of challenges.  We believe, using Nick's background and knowledge of Internet safety and security, we can create a safe environment for users to enjoy the Internet and all it has to offer, whilst helping the industry in promoting a co-regulatory and co-governing approach to Internet safety."

Mr. Nick Truman, in taking up his position as new ICT Security Advisor at the TRA, said  "I believe, with the appropriate high-level industry commitment, combined with the TRA's support and mandate, as well as end-user empowerment, we have the opportunity to create a world class on-line user experience for everyone here in the Kingdom of Bahrain."
 
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About TRA
The Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) was established by Legislative Decree No. 48 of 2002 promulgating the Telecommunications Law. TRA is an independent body and its duties and powers include, among other things, protecting the interests of subscribers and users and promoting effective and fair competition among existing and new licensed operators. More information regarding TRA can be viewed at www.tra.org.bh

For more information, please contact:
Abdulelah Abdulla
Communications Manager
Tel: +973 17 520000
Mobile: +973 36368555
Fax: +973 17 532125
Email: aabdulla@tra.org.bh

© Press Release 2009