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FG sets conditions for online media operations in Nigeria

Interactive media platforms

The Federal Government has announced rules of engagement for social media and other internet provider companies wishing to operate Nigeria.

Under the terms published yesterday by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), such operators known as the Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (ICSPII), must register in Nigeria as egal entities with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) like other companies before operating.

Also, the ICSPII must also employ a country representative who would have the obligation of interfacing between the company and the Nigerian Government for its operation to be valid and legally recognised.

A statement by the Head, Corporate Affairs and External Relationship, NITDA, Hadiza Umar, reads: “the Code of Practice is aimed at protecting fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country as well as defines guidelines for interacting on the digital ecosystem. This is in line with international best practices as obtainable in democratic nations and the 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, Tik Tok, and others.

Other relevant stakeholders with peculiar knowledge in this area were consulted such as Civil Society Organizations and expert groups. The results of these consultations were duly incorporated into the Draft Code of Practice.   

“NITDA is mandated by Section 6 of the NITDA Act 2007, to standardize, coordinate and develop regulatory frameworks for all Information Technology (IT) practices in Nigeria.

“In accordance with its mandates, President Muhammadu Buhari, 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 wishes to present to the Public a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries for further review and input.

“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.

“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 content 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.

…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.

Operational conditions

To ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA set out conditions for the ICSPII operating in Nigeria, to address issues around legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publications in line with Nigerian laws. These include:

  • 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 content and unethical behaviour on their platform; and
  • Provide information to authorities on harmful accounts, suspected botnets, troll groups, and other coordinated disinformation networks and delete any information that violates Nigerian law within an agreed time.

The Federal Government reiterated its commitment to ensuring Nigeria fully harnesses the potential of the Digital Economy and safeguard the security and interest of its citizens in the digital ecosystem.

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