The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has disclosed that interactive computer service platforms and Internet intermediaries are required to fulfill certain conditions in running their services in Nigeria.
These criterias were disclosed in the recently released Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries (online platforms).
This is stated according to a statement issued by NITDA on Monday.
The statement read in part,
“NITDA wishes to present to the public a Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries for future review and input.”
The Code of Practice was designed by NITDA in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission and National Broadcasting Commission,with input from platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, and Tik Tok.
Hence, one of such conditions in the Code of Practice is that each online platform is required to have a country representative, who will interface with the Nigerian authorities
This means that Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Google, Tik Tok and other interactive online platforms are required to have country representatives.
Other conditions include registering with the Corporate Affairs Commission as a legal entity, complying with tax obligations, and abide by regulatory and legal demands.
According to the government, the Code of Practice is pointed at safeguarding the fundamental human rights of Nigerians and non-Nigerians living in Nigeria, and regulating interactions on online platforms
