Leveraging DNS Filtering to Safeguard African Children from Harmful Internet Content: A Technical and Policy Analysis with an Integrated Implementation Framework

This study examines the role of DNS filtering in safeguarding African children from harmful internet content through a technical and policy analysis, culminating in an integrated implementation framework. Employing a systematic, multi-method approach including PRISMA-guided literature reviews, case-study analysis, and stakeholder engagement, the research evaluates DNS filtering efficacy, alignment with data protection laws (NDPR, POPIA, Ghana DPA), and pilot deployments in Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, and Ghana. Findings reveal that while DNS filtering achieves 85% block rates for harmful material, its effectiveness is hampered by high false positives (15% - 40%), circumvention risks (60% - 70%), and inconsistent enforcement. The study bridges critical gaps by proposing a tripartite framework combining AI-enhanced technical controls, harmonized policy compliance, and multi-stakeholder collaboration. It advances new knowledge on context-aware, rights-respecting child protection strategies tailored to Africa’s infrastructural and socio-cultural realities. Policy implications include actionable recommendations for ISPs, educators, and regulators, emphasizing dynamic blocklists, transparency mechanisms, and community-centric awareness programs. The framework guides resource allocation toward scalable, latency-optimized deployments while addressing rural-urban disparities. By integrating technical rigor with participatory governance, this research contributes to Africa’s digital safety agenda and informs global discourse on child-centric internet regulation.