Social media is the most widely used new platform where voices intersect, ideas flourish, and identities are forged in the digital age. Platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok have seamlessly integrated into the daily lives of Nigerians, shaping societal conversations, setting trends, and influencing collective perceptions. However, despite all these advantages being offered by social media, it is worrisome that it has become the easiest and most flexible space where malicious contents are disseminated without restriction.
This is obviously due to poor regulation of the activities on the platforms by the operators, government authorities, and other stakeholders. In fact, these trends, if continued, have the potential to expose the national security of any country to danger among other social concerns with grievous consequences. In 2022, the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) issued a Code of Practice, a set of guidelines to regulate the activities of digital platforms and online services in Nigeria.
The code aims to promote a safe and secure online environment, protect users’ rights, and ensure compliance with Nigerian laws and regulations. It also has the potential to address user rights and protection; data privacy and protection; hate speech and harmful content; disinformation and misinformation; online harassment and bullying; digital inclusion and accessibility; enforcement and compliance. Amidst the vast array of motivations p.
