NCC will not regulate social media – Danbatta

The Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Danbatta, has insisted that the telecommunications regulator will not regulate the use of social media apps also referred to as over-the-top contents (OTTs).

Danbatta, made this known in his keynote address at the First Annual Lecture of CKN News in Lagos, adding that the commission would rather continue to adopt technology-neutral regime.

He urged Nigerians to take advantage of the social media platforms to exchange information and participate in the political, social and economic processes of Nigeria, in ways that promote peace and united and prosperous nation.

“As regulator, we will remain technology-neutral and will not regulate social media use of apps also referred as OTT’s. We nevertheless use our moral authority to request that Nigerians take advantage of the social media platforms to exchange information and participate in the political, social and economic processes of our country,”Danbatta said.

The former University lecturer stated that the Cybercrimes Act 2015 already defines offences with regards to wrong use of social media and stipulates punishments for breaches, stressing that as responsible institution, NCC encourages a responsible and ethical use of the Social Media for the good of all and the development of Nigeria.

According to the NCC boss, social media has come to shape citizens lives in very few exciting in remarkable ways, adding that Facebook alone accounts for over 16 million Nigerians, making it the highest in Africa.

“On the economic front, the Social Media has become a market place of ideas and creativity. Products and services are sold online, thus providing opportunity for start-ups to commence businesses on a small scale. Many Nigerians, like citizens of other nations, have honed amazing entrepreneurial skills to make a living through opportunities provided by social media platforms, and have equally become employers of labour. Huge financial transactions have been conducted by individuals and organisations online. Banking transactions such as online deposits and transfers have made financial transactions easier. In the past it was difficult to travel without physically going to transporting and tourism organisations to make booking and other logistics.

“Nigeria’s E-Commerce space is growing tremendously, companies such as Yudala, Jumia, Konga and Jiji to mention just a few, are online Malls recording huge patronage by online customers. Also, the trove of information exchanged through social media by individuals, groups and institutions has impacted on all spheres notably; e-education, e-health, e-agriculture, crime prevention, and safety.

“Politically, people have latched on opportunities provided by the social media to exercise their rights to free speech, to interact with their representatives, and make constructive contributions to the political process in ways that were unimaginable just a decade ago. As an organisation, NCC is elated at this development.

The protection of rights is a value that should be cherished by all individuals and institutions,” he emphasised.