Digital rights advocacy body, Paradigm Initiative has called on stakeholders to do a critical review of the just released Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/ Internet Intermediaries.
The code, released by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) is aimed at tightening regulation of the digital interactive platforms such as Fecebook, Twitter, Tik Tok, Instagram, among others with a view to making them responsible and regulate activities on the platforms.
In a press statement by PIN that followed the release of the guideline, PIN worries that the code of practice could be a tool of digital rights violation by the government.
What PIN is Saying:
Paradigm Initiative (PIN) shares the concerns of stakeholders and calls on everyone passionate about the protection of the digital civic space to take action regarding the recently released Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries and Conditions for Operating in Nigeria by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA).
The code of practice aims at creating a guideline for interacting within the digital ecosystem, especially on social media platforms.
The code of practice and its impending implementation goes to the essence of digital rights and freedom for all, and we are aware of the dangers inherent in the closing of digital civic space in Nigeria.
This is why we have been working with others to push back on this trajectory in Africa to ensure human rights considerations are taken into account in the development and implementation of digital policies. The released draft code of practice is a potential tool for the abuse of constitutionally guaranteed rights of Nigerian citizens.
While we continue to monitor the advancement of the code, we are calling for a civil society stakeholder session to coordinate input and response to this draft regulation. All stakeholders need to speak with one voice in response to this development so that our voices are heard loud and clear.
PIN begins engagement with Stakeholders
In a bid to dissect the government’s code of practice for social media platforms to ensure it would not in any way violate digital rights of Nigerians, PIN says it is holding an online forum to register stakeholders’ concerns.
The statement read: “PIN shall be coordinating a response to the code of practice on Tuesday, June 21st, 2022 via zoom. We urge all stakeholders to read and put down their concerns.
“To register click on this LINK. We assure all stakeholders of our commitment to seeing digital policies be rights respected for all.
About PIN
Paradigm Initiative works to connect underserved young Africans with digital opportunities and ensures the protection of their rights. Across our regional offices in Cameroon, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and beyond, we work to connect under-served African youth with improved livelihoods through our digital inclusion and digital rights programs. Our programs include Life Skills, ICT, Financial Readiness, Entrepreneurship (LIFE) training program, Dufuna, and a digital rights program.
