Telecom regulator solicits inputs on Internet code of practice

The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has solicited for inputs from stakeholders as well as the general public in the Nigerian telecom industry to contribute in the development of a code of practice in support of an open internet.

The regulator for the telecommunications industry in Nigeria explained that the establishment of internet industry code of practice is part of its Internet Governance function, adding that it favours a multi-stakeholder model of engagement in the process of policy development for the Internet Governance.

“Extensive consultation of stakeholders is crucial to the success of developing a code of practice in support of an open internet,” NCC said in a statement.

The commission has however identified key stakeholders to include all Internet Service Providers in Nigeria, relevant associations (ISPAN, CPN, ATCON, ALTON, GSMA, Nigerian Computer Society, Nigerian Internet Governance Forum and several Government Ministries, Agencies, and Departments (NCC, NITDA, NiRA, NBC, CBN, Ministry of Communication, etc.)
Others include security agencies (NPF, EFCC, ICPC, NSA and interested multinationals (Facebook, Microsoft, Oracle; academia and the general public.

Stakeholders, the statement said are expected to submit their input (comments, concerns, feedback, and suggestions for scope and content) via an Online Public Consultation Portal provided by the commission. The input submitted will be taken into consideration in the drafting of the Internet Industry Code of Conduct.

The proposed Code of Practice seeks, among other things according to NCC, to protect the rights and interests of Internet Service Providers and consumers; provide jointly agreed and effective solutions to the issues of discriminatory traffic management practices and ensure adequate safeguards are put in place by service providers against abuses such as unsolicited messages.

The proposed Code of Practice will also outline the obligations of Service Providers in relation to offensive and potentially harmful content for minors and vulnerable audiences; promote the safe, secure and responsible use of Internet Services with due regard to provisions in existing legal instruments; establish best practices for Internet Governance in Nigeria, in line with emerging issues and global trends; provide transparent rules for the assessment and classification of Internet content and increase stakeholder satisfaction through improved consumer experience online.

NCC has also assured that a draft of the Internet Industry Code of Practice will be made available to stakeholders for feedback and change requests when ready, stressing that the stakeholders will be invited to a presentation of the draft at a special Stakeholder Consultation Workshop where they will be expected to critique and suggest improvements to the draft.

The statement added that stakeholders will also be able to submit their critiques and suggestions via the Online Public Consultation Portal up until the final draft of the code is produced. Feedback received from key stakeholders via the Online Public Consultation Portal as well as during the Stakeholder Consultation Workshop will be factored into the transitioning of the draft into the final code of practice.