The Nigeria Government, through its Internet regulating body, has released a “Code of Practice” policy document to regulate social networking platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram (all of which are owned by Meta), Twitter, Google, and TikTok.
The regulating body, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), published the document on its website and made it known to the public in a tweet on Monday. NITDA noted that the Code of Practice applies to all Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries and their agents in Nigeria. “It also serves as a guide on steps to safeguard the security and interest of Nigerians and non-Nigerians regarding activities conducted on the digital
ecosystem,” it noted.
The Head of Corporate Affairs for NITDA, Hadiza Umar, described the activities conducted on these social platforms as such that “wield enormous influence over our society, social interaction and economic choices”. According to his press statement, this is the new global reality. He then backed up the Code of Practice to say that it is “an intervention to recalibrate the relationship of online platforms with Nigerians in order to maximise mutual benefits for our nation”.
According to NITDA, the document was written in accordance with a presidential directive. In addition, it claimed to have collaborated with Nigeria’s communications and broadcasting regulatory organizations, and it invited feedback from the affected internet companies.
NITDA has indicated that the document is available for review by the general public and will welcome feedback also. It is questionable, however, why the agency proceeded to write this document in light of the criticism it got in the wake of Twitter’s decision to ban it, as well as concerns regarding the Nigerian government’s ability to monitor and stifle freedom of opinion.
The Nigerian government has always tried to regulate social media platforms. The most recent was in June, when the government banned Twitter and told the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) to start the licensing process for social media and over-the-top (OTT) platforms like YouTube, Zoom, WhatsApp, and Skype.
NITDA’s document is the most recent movement on this front, and some Nigerians believe it will likely end there. But some people are worried that the Nigerian government might go too far and shut down these internet platforms as it did with Twitter if they don’t follow the rules.
