Cybersafety: Regulator cautions parents against uncontrolled exposure of children to online activities

*Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and CEO of the Nigerian Communications Commission, emphasises the telecoms sector regulator is aware of its responsibilities in ensuring safety in the digital ecosystem through the establishment of the NCC Computer Security Incidence Response Team

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of the Commission’s consumer protection mandate in the country’s cyberspace, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has urged parents and guardians to monitor and manage their children’s online engagement

The NCC said this becomes imperative as uncontrolled exposure to cyberspace is fraught with a lot of negativities to children’s wellbeing.

Children surfing the Internet

ConsumerConnect reports Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of NCC, stated this in his contribution to the recent First Web Rangers Nigeria Summit held in Abuja, FCT.

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Thursday, October 27, 2022, disclosed the forum is a Google’s initiative that focuses on developing digital literacy and equipping telecoms consumers with the knowledge they require for their online safety.

The Commission said the Summit with the theme, “Navigating the Responsibility of Online Safety Between Users, Providers and Regulators”, discussed measures for addressing challenges posed by online criminal activities as they affect children and the youth.

Danbatta, represented by Dr. Haru Alhassan, Director of New Media and Information Security (NMIS) at NCC, noted that it is imperative for the parents and guardians to know what our children are doing in the cyberspace.

The NCC EVC/CEO further stated said that the telecoms sector regulatory Commission is committed to supporting the governance and security of the Nigerian cyberspace.

The regulator is also facilitating the adoption of innovative technologies and acquisition of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) skills, said Danbatta.

According to him, the Commission is aware of the responsibilities entrusted to it in ensuring safety in the digital ecosystem, which informed its establishment of the NCC Computer Security Incidence Response Team (CSIRT) that was inaugurated in 2021.

The NCC Executive Vice-Chairman further explained the CSIRT responds to computer security incidents to regain control and minimise damage, provide or assist with effective incident response and recovery, and inhibit computer security incidents, such as malware, virus, and child online threats.

Dr. Alhassan as well recalled that the Commission established the Internet Industry Code of Practice (ICP) in 2019.

The NCC noted the ICP is designed to secure the country’s cyberspace against imminent threats from cyberattackers besides addressing issues, including online child protection, privacy and data protection, among others.

The NCC Director of New Media and Information Security noted that the Commission is a member of the National Committee on the Development of a Unified National Strategy on Child Online Protection (COP) in Nigeria.

Alhassan also emphasised the NCC regularly sensitises parents and children on cybercrime trends, such as cyberbullying, phishing, and online identity theft.

Dawn Dimowo, Manager, Government Affairs and Public Policy at Google Nigeria, said the Summit was an opportunity for strengthening the advocacy for digital safety and allowing the youth to share their innovations.

The Commission said the maiden Web Ranger Summit 2022 was anchored by the Public and Private Development Centre (PPDC) through the Digital Inclusion and Safer Internet (DISI) programme.

“As an organisation, the PPDC has successfully pioneered safer Internet and digital inclusion practices and activities in some schools and among many stakeholders in Nigeria.

“Some of these initiatives are the development of the Online Safety Curriculum, the Web Rangers Clubs, online safety training for staff and students, and the annual celebration of safer Internet day in collaboration with the Nigerian Education Research and Development Council (NERDC),” the NCC stated.