National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), in collaboration with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation (API), has released a groundbreaking Whitepaper on the Framework for an Online Harms Protection Bill in Nigeria. This document is a significant step towards addressing the growing issue of online harm in the country.
The Whitepaper, a product of extensive research and stakeholder collaboration, draws on discussions from Nigeria’s first Content Moderation and Online Safety Summit, hosted by API in July 2022. It highlights the pressing need for regulatory action to safeguard Nigerians, particularly children, from the adverse effects of online activities.
According to NITDA, the Whitepaper serves as a foundation for engaging key stakeholders, including regulators, civil society organizations, international internet platforms, and the wider public. It presents insights into global best practices while proposing strategies that can be tailored to Nigeria’s unique digital landscape.
“This Whitepaper is not a definitive solution but a guide for meaningful engagement and collaborative efforts towards a comprehensive Online Harms Protection Bill,” NITDA emphasized in a statement.
The initiative also acknowledged contributions from the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and civil society representatives who participated in developing the document. The steering team, supported by a dedicated secretariat, compiled detailed research to provide actionable insights for addressing online harms.
Stakeholders are encouraged to review the document and provide feedback to the project secretariat at [email protected]. NITDA plans to use these responses to refine the framework and develop a robust bill that will protect citizens while fostering a thriving digital economy.
The Whitepaper is available for download via this link: https://links.nitda.gov.ng/ohpb.
