HOR Deputy Speaker Kalu Says There Is Urgent Need To Regulate Nigeria'a Digital Space

The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, has called for the establishment of a citizen-oriented legislative framework to combat the rising threats of cybercrime and online harms, with a particular focus on the protection of women and young people.

Speaking at a stakeholders’ workshop organised by the National Information Technology Development Agency, NITDA, in collaboration with Advocacy for Policy and Innovation, API, Hon. Kalu presented compelling statistics highlighting a worrying surge in cyberbullying, hate speech, and the spread of misinformation. He emphasised that women and young people remain among the most vulnerable, frequently subjected to harassment and psychological abuse in the digital space.

Drawing from his own experience as a victim of cyberbullying and misinformation, the Deputy Speaker stressed the urgent need for comprehensive, people-focused regulations to guide the conduct of big tech companies managing digital platforms.
“This is not just a technical issue, it is a societal issue,” he stated. “We must prioritise the safety, dignity, and rights of our citizens in the digital space. I urge all stakeholders present to contribute towards drafting a robust legislative and regulatory framework that protects users, holds platforms accountable, and promotes responsible digital engagement.”

Hon. Kalu reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to supporting policies that strike a balance between technological innovation and the safeguarding of fundamental human rights in the digital age.

from dailypost