The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) says safety and content moderation in the digital space are needed in accordance with global practices.

Kashifu Inuwa, director-general of NITDA, made this submission on Monday when a team from TikTok, a social media platform, visited him in Abuja.

Mr Inuwa said it was important for stakeholders to collaborate in advancing the Nigerian digital space because online activities generate human and artificial intelligence compendiums accessible to the rest of the world.

He called for the implementation of content moderation strategies that would address online issues like hate speech, misinformation, and cyberbullying in relation to the protection of minors across the country.

“With the Code Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries in place, this will help in ensuring digital safety in accordance with global best practices and content moderation to enhance security.

“No organisation can operate in silos; we need each other for the actualisation of our goals and objectives towards service delivery and the advancement of the nation,” said Mr Inuwa.

The director-general highlighted some critical areas, saying that leveraging the interactive computer service platform would advance the country through their Digital Literacy 4 All (DL4ALL) programme.

According to him, it will ensure capacity building, knowledge sharing, training, and curbing misinformation and digital safety to create a safer cyberspace and empower online environments for Nigerian users.

“The platform also allows for creative expression through filters, stickers, and editing tools, as well as entertainment and comedy, which are dominant themes.

“Other features are informational videos on various topics that are gaining traction, which has become a launchpad for influencers and trends that can go viral,’’ he said.

Mr Inuwa said NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan 2.0 (SRAP 2024–2027) were structured around eight pillars, and some of them provided avenues to safeguard the digital space.

Earlier, Tokunbo Ibrahim, head of government regulation and public policy at TikTok Nigeria and West Africa, commended NITDA, saying the agency’s policies aligned with TikTok’s vision.

”Aside from leveraging the social media platform to market products and services, Ms Ibrahim said, it has enabled some projects and programmes in collaboration with the Africa Creator Hub.

“The Africa Creation Hub has encouraged users to do campaigns for tech creation, as well as support, empower, and educate them on content creation while exploring other sections of TikTok to change the narrative.

“The TikTok platform considers online safety as one of its critical areas to secure cyberspace by providing an avenue for users to thrive and be productive in their various activities,” she said.

She said TikTok was currently running an African mall, an idea to push the continent’s narrative to the world, while content creators were being empowered with skills for products and services in Nigeria.

Ms Ibrahim explained that such services could be exported to other countries worldwide, further attracting investments. 

(NAN)