The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), a leading African non-profit focused on digital innovation and inclusive policy, is pleased to announce the release of a whitepaper proposing a framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill in Nigeria.
This timely document addresses the growing challenge of online harm in Nigeria, particularly for vulnerable groups like children. It builds on the discussions and insights from Nigeria’s inaugural Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit hosted by API in July 2022.
he whitepaper provides context around the prevalence of online harms and the urgent need for action. It highlights ongoing efforts by the government to propose solutions for online safety and child protection. It also offers valuable resources and explores various conceptual frameworks for combating online harms. Additionally, the paper analyzes approaches used in other jurisdictions and proposes a range of options for developing a regulatory framework in Nigeria.
The whitepaper serves as a foundation for stakeholder engagement, aiming to establish a comprehensive and collaborative framework for a bill that safeguards Nigerians in the digital space. It is not intended to be a definitive document, but rather a starting point for discussions with relevant stakeholders. This includes regulators, security agencies, civil society organizations, internet platforms (both local and international), businesses, and the general public.
By presenting aggregated research and fostering dialogue, the whitepaper facilitates meaningful engagement on online harms and paves the way for the development of a legal framework that balances citizen protection with a vibrant digital ecosystem in Nigeria.
Stakeholder Engagement:
We encourage stakeholders to actively engage by reading the whitepaper and sharing their comments, questions, and suggestions via email to [email protected] The secretariat will collate this feedback and present it to stakeholder groups for further discussion before drafting the bill.
Acknowledgements:
NITDA acknowledges the invaluable contributions of the steering committee members, primarily drawn from Nigeria’s civil society and the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) representatives. We also greatly appreciate the dedication and hard work of the project’s secretariat in compiling research and producing the whitepaper. We look forward to continued collaborations and discussions as we strive to create a safe and secure digital experience for all Nigerians.
Please download or read the Whitepaper via this link: https://links.nitda.gov.ng/ohpb