How FG’s new code of practice for online platforms will impact Nigeria’s economy
By Ogaga Ariemu
With National Information Technology Agency (NITDA) New Code of Conduct for online platforms, Nigerians, users of interactive computers would now have the advantage of operating in a civil environment yet impact Nigeria’s economy, Nigerian NewsDirect learnt.
Mixed reactions have continued to trail the NITDA’s Code of Conduct announced last week as a new rule book for large services platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, TikTok and others operating in Nigeria.
Far from the knocks that the code would endanger free speech, democracy, it is pertinent to accentuate that the code will bring about institutionalisation of online platforms in Nigeria, guard against the infiltration of fake accounts, tackle fake news, ensure data privacy, reduce cyber bully, boost economic growth, others are some of the gains of NITDA’s new code of practice for online platforms.
With the regulations already in the kitty, some of the ‘excesses’ of social media will be a thing of past or at least curtailed, thereby consolidating the Cybercrime Act of 2015 and the Lawful Interception for Commuinication Regulations of 2019.
A clear-sighted look at the regulation reveals that it is for the good, interest of the generality of Nigerians.
This as Section 6 of the NITDA establishment Act 2007, avails the institution the sole responsibility to standardise, coordinate and develop regulatory frameworks for all Information Technology sector. In a society where efficient coordination, implementation of Goverment’s policy is scarcely seen, every right taking users of social media should applaud government for stepping up the game.
Also, with the ubiquitous yet hardly tame data vulnerability, users privacy invasion and cybersecurity, the code of conduct becomes even more vital.
This why NITDA has noted that the Code of Practice is aimed at protecting the fundamental human rights if Nigerians and Nigerians living in the as country as well as define guidelines for interacting on the digital ecosystem.
In statement signed by NITDA, head Corporate and External Affairs, Mrs Hadiza Umar last week, a detailed step-by-step benefits of the guidelines were given.
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 Organisations and expert groups.
According to NITDA, 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 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 the nation, while promoting a sustainable digital economy.
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.
Furthermore, 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, to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA also wishes to notify all Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries operating in Nigeria that the Federal Government of Nigeria has set out conditions for operating in the country.
These conditions address issues around legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws.
The conditions are as follows:
Establish a legal entity i.e., register 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.
Germane to the discourse is that NITDA’s new code of practices for online platforms, obviously signals a new era for Nigeria’s Tech ecosystem, this should be encouraged by everyone who has the interest of the country.
