NITDA RELEASES NEW CODE OF PRACTICE FOR ONLINE PLATFORMS
By Ronaldson Diete-Spiff, Esq
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has issued a Code of Practice (Code) for Intelligently Computer Benefit Platforms/Internet Mediators and Conditions for Working in Nigeria. The NITDA was denoted with the statutory powers under Section 6 of the NITDA Act 2007 to standardize, arrange and create administrative systems for all Data Innovation (IT) practice in Nigeria.
In line with its mandate, the NITDA has set up the Code in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), as well as input from Intuitively Computer Benefit Stages such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok among others.
The Code is an intercession to recalibrate the relationship of Online Stages with Nigerians in arranges to maximize common benefits for our country whereas advancing a feasible computerized economy. It lays forth techniques for safeguarding Nigerians’ security and well-being while collaborating with platforms in creating an online mechanism to track illegal and harmful contents their platforms. It equally seeks to establish strong mechanism for coordinated efforts in order to protect Nigerians from online harms such as hate speech, cyber bullying, disinformation, and/or deception.
There are however concerns with the Code, particularly coming at the heels of the recent four-month ban on Twitter and the timing of a general election. Though the Code has attracted public criticisms like the 2019 social media Bill, it is hoped that the positives of the Code would not be lost in the current outrage. It is expected that the code of practice would complement the NITDA Amendment bill, which is still passing through legislative processes at the National Assembly.
Disclaimer: This news update is intended only to provide general information and does not by itself constitute or serve as legal advice. For further information, we are available to provide detailed legal advice. For more information contact us on info@asalawpractice.org or call 0908 482 0000, 0806 749 8777