The Nigerian Communications
Commission (NCC) is seeking stakeholders input on the proposed establishment of
an Internet Industry Code of Practice (IICP) in the country internet space,
reports ITRealms.
The request for this was published
in the Commission’s website, noting that as part of its Internet Governance functions,
NCC seeks input from stakeholders in the development of a code of practice in
support of net neutrality and an open internet.
The Commission also expressed
preference for a multi-stakeholder model of engagement in the process of policy
development for Internet Governance.
According
to officials of NCC, the objectives of the proposed Internet Industry Code of
Practice include among other things, to protect the
rights and interests of Internet Service Providers and consumers; Provide
jointly agreed and effective solutions to the issues of discriminatory traffic
management practices; Ensure adequate safeguards are put in place by service
providers against abuses such as unsolicited messages; Outline the obligations
of Service Providers in relation to offensive and potentially harmful content
for minors and vulnerable audiences; and Promote the safe, secure and
responsible use of Internet Services with due regard to provisions in existing
legal instruments.
Other
objectives of IICP, NCC outlined encompass to establish best practices for
Internet Governance in Nigeria, in line with emerging issues and global trends;
Provide transparent rules for the assessment and classification of Internet
content; Increase stakeholder satisfaction through improved consumer experience
online; Improve competition by addressing issues of traffic management; and improve
operational efficiency.
NCC also explained that in developing the code would
entail a review of existing Internet industry
codes of practice across various jurisdictions, to determine and incorporate
global best practices, as well as review relevant guidelines, regulations, and
legislations currently in place in Nigeria, to ensure that the code of practice
produced is in conformity; extensive consultation of key stakeholders on scope
and content of code; Publication of a draft code for review and feedback by
stakeholders; Incorporation of stakeholder feedback into draft code and Production
of final document.
Stakeholders, NCC said, are expected
to submit their input in form of comments, concerns, feedback, and suggestions
for scope and content via this portal, assuring that any input will considered
in the drafting of the Internet Industry Code of Conduct.
Further, NCC assured that a draft of
the Internet Industry Code of Practice will be made available to stakeholders
for feedback and change requests when ready. Stakeholders will be invited to a
presentation of the draft at a special Stakeholder Consultation Workshop where
they will be expected to critique and suggest improvements to the draft.”
Stakeholders, NCC said, will also be able to
submit their critiques and suggestions via this portal up until the final draft
of the code is produced.
Feedback received from key
stakeholders via the Online Consultation Facility as well as during the
Stakeholder Consultation Workshop will be factored into the transitioning of
the draft into the final code of practice.
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