The Federal Government of Nigeria (FGN) through the collaboration of the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has issued a code of practice for computer-related platforms in the country, reports ITREALMS.
This, NITDA said, is in line with its mandated as contained in the Section 6 of NITDA Act 2007; to standardize, coordinate and develop regulatory frameworks for all Information Technology (IT) practices in Nigeria.
A press statement from NITDA by Head, Corporate Affairs, Mrs Hadiza Umar and available to ITREALMS, said that issuance on code of practice is in accordance with its mandates.
She recalled that Nigerian President, General Muhammadu Buhari, retired, had directed the agency to develop a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (Online Platforms), in collaboration with relevant regulatory agencies and stakeholders.
In line with the directive, NITDA, she said, thereby presented to the public a code of practice for further review and input.
"The Code of Practice is aimed at protecting fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country as well as define guidelines for interacting on the digital ecosystem. This is in line with international best practices as obtainable in democratic nations such as the United State of America, United Kingdom, European Union, and United Nations.
"The Code of Practice was developed in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as well as input from Interactive Computer Service Platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok amongst others. Other relevant stakeholders with peculiar knowledge in this area were consulted such as Civil Society Organizations and expert groups. The results of this consultations were duly incorporated into the Draft Code of Practice.
"The new global reality is that the activities conducted on these online platforms wield enormous influence over our society, social interaction, and economic choices. Hence, the Code of Practice is an intervention to recalibrate the relationship of online platforms with Nigerians in order to maximise mutual benefits for our nation, while promoting a sustainable digital economy."
She said, additionally, the Code of Practice sets out procedures to safeguard the security and welfare of Nigerians while interacting on these platforms.
"It aims to demand accountability from online platforms regarding unlawful and harmful contents on their platforms," she said.
Furthermore, she said, it establishes a robust framework for collaborative efforts to protect Nigerians against online harms, such as hate speech, cyber-bullying, as well as disinformation and/or misinformation.
Similarly, she noted that to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA also notified all Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries operating in the country, that the Federal Government of Nigeria has set out conditions for operating in the country.
These conditions, ITREALMS gathered, address issues around legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws.
NITDA outlined the conditions to include the establish a legal entity such as registering with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC); Appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities; Abide by all regulatory demands after establishing a legal presence; comply with all applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law; provide a comprehensive compliance mechanism to avoid publication of prohibited contents and unethical behaviour on their platform; and provide information to authorities on harmful accounts, suspected botnets, troll groups, and other coordinated disinformation networks and deleting any information that violates Nigerian law within an agreed time.
ITREALMS equally gathered that the draft Code of Practice is available on the NITDA website for review and comments from the public.
This, NITDA further said, reiterates the Federal Government commitment towards ensuring Nigeria fully harnessing the potentials of the digital economy and safeguard the security and interest of its citizens in the digital ecosystem.
ITREALMS equally gathered that the draft Code of Practice is available on the NITDA website for review and comments from the public.
This, NITDA further said, reiterates the Federal Government commitment towards ensuring Nigeria fully harnessing the potentials of the digital economy and safeguard the security and interest of its citizens in the digital ecosystem.
Uboshe Uboshe/Editor
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