Cyberbullying is the use of the Internet to bully a person, typically by sending messages of an intimidating or threatening nature, especially on social media.

While hate speech is abusive or threatening speech or writing that expresses prejudice against a particular group, especially on the basis of race, religion, or sexual orientation.

The Nigerian government had come up with the Code of Practice in collaboration with relevant Regulatory Agencies and Stakeholders.

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.

The new codes demand accountability from Online Platforms regarding unlawful and harmful content on their Platforms, while establishing a robust framework for collaborative efforts to protect Nigerians against online harms, such as hate speech, cyberbullying, as well as disinformation, and/or misinformation.

Also, the guidelines mirror how to interact on digital ecosystems like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, TikTok, and other social media platforms in the country.

According to the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), the new rules are aimed at protecting the fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country.

The Code of Practice is in line with international best practices as obtainable in democratic nations such as the United States of America, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and the United Nations.

NITDA said it is an intervention to recalibrate the relationship of online platforms with Nigerians in order to maximize 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. 

The Agency referred to section 6 of the NITDA Act 2007, which empower is to standardize, coordinate and develop regulatory frameworks for all Information Technology (IT) practices in Nigeria.

According to a statement signed by Mrs Hadiza Umar, Head Corporate Affairs and External Relationship at NITDA, the code of practice was developed in accordance with the NITDA’s mandates and subsequently President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to NITDA 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 Code of Practice is aimed at protecting fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in the country as well as define guidelines for interacting on the digital ecosystem.

“This is in line with international best practices as obtainable in democratic nations such as the United State of America, United Kingdom, European Union, and United Nations”.

She said that 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, and Tik Tok amongst others.

Other relevant stakeholders with peculiar knowledge in this area were consulted such as Civil Society Organizations and expert groups.

“The results of the consultations were duly incorporated into the Draft Code of Practice.    

“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”, Umar said.

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 contents 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.

“Similarly, to ensure compliance with the Code of Practice, NITDA also wishes to notify all Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries operating in Nigeria that the Federal Government of Nigeria has set out conditions for operating in the country”, she added.

These conditions address issues around legal registration of operations, taxation, and managing prohibited publication in line with Nigerian laws. The conditions are as follows:

1. Establish a legal entity i.e., register with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC);
2. Appoint a designated country representative to interface with Nigerian authorities;
3. Abide by all regulatory demands after establishing a legal presence;
4. Comply with all applicable tax obligations on its operations under Nigerian law;
5. Provide a comprehensive compliance mechanism to avoid publication of prohibited contents and unethical behaviour on their platform; and
6. Provide information to authorities on harmful accounts, suspected botnets, troll groups, and other coordinated disinformation networks and deleting any information that violates Nigerian law within an agreed time.

The Draft Code of Practice is available on the NITDA website for review and comments from the public.

“The Federal Government wishes to reiterate its commitment towards ensuring Nigeria fully harness the potentials of the Digital Economy and safeguard the security and interest of its citizens in the digital ecosystem”, Umar added.