Nigerians were against it in 2019, but the Federal Government vow never to go back on their promise to checkmate the spread of fake news on social media.
The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), has issued a code of practice towards the usage of online platforms like twitter, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp and Google.
The agency said the code was developed with input received from online platforms like Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram and Google, among others.
The code will hold you accountable for unlawful and harmful information you share on their platforms. The development is a fresh move by the federal government to regulate online platforms, amid concerns that the President Muhammadu Buhari administration is clamping down on free speech and internet freedom — a move which the government has denied.
Condition on How to Operate
As part of the conditions, internet platforms must register with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), comply with appropriate taxation policies, and avoid prohibited content.
The regulations also include policies on p*rn*graphy as well as issues around cybercrime.
“Abide by Nigerian laws and not deploy or modify their Platform in any way that will undermine or interfere with the application and/or enforcement of the law,” the document reads.
“Act expeditiously upon receiving a Court order directing a Platform to provide any information under its domain or any assistance to any authorized government agency for the purpose of carrying out an investigation, combating cybercrimes, or prosecuting an offence.
“Act expeditiously upon receiving a notice from a user, or an authorized government agency of the presence of an unlawful content on its Platform. A Platform must acknowledge the receipt of the complaint and take down the content within 24 hours.
Your can read the rest of the act here