NCC establishes industry code to regulate Internet access

THE NIGERIAN COMMUNICA TIONS COMMIS SIOn (NCC) says it has concluded plans to establish industry code of practice to regulate Internet access and services in the country.

Umar Danbatta, professor and executive vice chairman of NCC made this known at a Stakeholders’ Consultation Forum on the Establishment of Internet Industry Code of Practice on Friday in Abuja.

Danbatta, who was represented by Yetunde Akinloye, the director legal regulatory services at the NCC, said that the code would clearly define the rights and obligations of Internet access service providers.

He said that the code would also put measures in place to safeguard and protect minors, vulnerable audiences and consumers as a whole.

“This envisioned as a coregulatory effort between the commission and industry stakeholders, hence the need for extensive public consultation and in the final document, ‘’ he said.

Danbatta said that the establishment of the code was conceived to ensure safety, security and to harness the benefits of the internet for good governance and better user experience.

He said that Sub-Saharan Africa had lost between seven and 20 per cent of its GDP to cyber crimes as stated by internet society, adding that it was very vital to intensify efforts to secure the country against imminent threats.

He said that NCC also considered other factors including but not limited to online child protection, privacy and data protection, objectionable content and traffic management practices.

“The global perspective is that the internet be open and unregulated creativity and internet access. Propositions are for either self-regulation or government regulation in repressive economies.

“However, both have their advantages and disadvantages. Thus, the drive for a co-regulatory practice as it relates to the internet in Nigeria.

“Consequently, the NCC in accordance with its mandate to regulate the communications sector in Nigeria as expressed in the Nigerian communication Act 2003 sets out to establish Internet Code of Practice.’’