Online harms protection in Nigeria has taken a significant step forward as the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in partnership with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), releases a Whitepaper on the Framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill. This groundbreaking document aims to address the rising tide of digital threats while fostering a secure online environment in Nigeria.
According to NITDA, this Whitepaper stems from insights gathered during Nigeria’s first-ever Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit, hosted by API in July 2022. It marks the foundation of a comprehensive legal framework to protect Nigerians in the digital space.
Prevalence of Online Harms in Nigeria
The Whitepaper sheds light on the alarming prevalence of online harms, particularly those targeting children and vulnerable populations. It combines research findings, stakeholder insights, and global best practices to propose tailored regulatory strategies for Nigeria.
While past efforts like the Cybercrime Act 2015 and the Internet Code of Practice have been commendable, NITDA emphasizes the need for a more robust and adaptive approach to safeguard users from persistent online threats.
“Despite existing regulations, the complexities of the digital environment require a more comprehensive and collaborative approach to online safety for Nigerians,” the agency stated.
Objectives of the Online Harms Protection Whitepaper
The document sets forth the following objectives:
- Spark National Dialogue: Encourage meaningful discussions on combating online harms while fostering a vibrant digital ecosystem.
- Guide Policy Development: Offer research-driven ideas to support the creation of a legal framework for online safety.
- Encourage Stakeholder Participation: Foster collaboration among government agencies, civil society, businesses, and the public.
The Whitepaper particularly highlights the importance of protecting children and minorities, emphasizing a data-driven and inclusive approach to crafting Nigeria’s online safety framework.
Call for Stakeholder Engagement
NITDA invites feedback from businesses, civil society organizations, and the general public. A dedicated secretariat will collate this feedback for further deliberations, which will shape the drafting of a final Online Harms Protection Bill.
What You Should Know About Past Efforts
Nigeria has made previous attempts to address online harms through measures like:
- The Cybercrime Act 2015
- Internet Code of Practice (2017)
- NITDA’s Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms (2022)
However, criticisms regarding civic space constriction and human rights constraints have limited the effectiveness of these regulations. The proposed framework aims to overcome these challenges and build a safer digital ecosystem.
A Step Toward Digital Safety in Nigeria
With the release of this Whitepaper, online harms protection in Nigeria is poised for a transformative shift. By fostering collaboration and leveraging research-driven insights, NITDA and API aim to set a new standard for online safety, ensuring a secure digital environment for all Nigerians.