Bill
By Constance Imasuen
Abuja, April 26, 2018(NAN) ICT experts have called for the replication of Nigeria’s Digital Rights and Freedom Bill,recently passed by the National Assembly, in other African countries .
The experts made the call on Thursday in Abuja at the 6th Internet Freedom Forum, an international conference organised by Paradigm Initiative, an NGO.
They said that the bill was a step in the right direction as it would strength digital rights on the continent
Mr Ephraim Kenyanito of Article 19 East Africa, said, “It would be great if the Nigerian president could immediately sign the bill into law as this would be seen as a challenge to other African countries.
“. It would be great for Nigeria to set a good example in this area’’ he said.
On his part, Adeboye Adegoke, Paradigm Initiative’s Digital Rights Program Manager, said the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill was drafted by coalition of civil societies, private sector and government.
Adegoke said that the bill was aimed to protect the digital rights of Nigerians in the emerging digital age.
“The bill is great for the protecting citizens’ rights and also great for the economy as it would energise the technology industry.” he said.
Mr John Edokpolo, Microsoft Nigeria Head of Legal Affairs, called on the government to enact good laws to encourage innovation and development in the technology industry.
Edokpolo said “If you want foreign direct investment in the technology industry, you need to have a good data privacy law, among other things.”
He said such law helped government see the economic benefits of having positive legislation around digital rights.
Mr Tolu Ogunlesi, Special Assistant to the President on Digital/New Media, said an effective media ensured a free society and served as a check on government.
Ogunlesi said the media should therefore avoid engaging in only broadcasting what different actors are saying and go beyond the press statements to finding out the truth.
“The media must do more to stamp out fake news and ensure truthfulness in their reports.
“While I would not campaign for government regulation of media space, I would argue for the media to be more accountable and self-regulate , ‘’ he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Internet Freedom Forum which held from April 24 to April 26, brought together experts from across some 40 countries from Africa and beyond. (NAN)
COA/YAZ