NCC charges telecoms firms with network security, consumer safety online

*The Nigerian Communications Commission directs Mobile Network Operators and Internet Service Providers to comply with extant regulatory frameworks in protecting consumers’ personal data, handling offensive and potentially-harmful content, as well as ensuring safety of minors, vulnerable audiences in the digital space

Gbenga Kayode | ConsumerConnect

As part of its proactive measures to ensure security and safety of networks for telecoms consumers, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to comply with the Commission’s regulatory frameworks.

Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (EVC/CEO) of the Commission, issued the directive to the MNOs and ISPs at the 2023 Nigeria DigitalSense Forum, focusing on Internet Governance for Development, held in Lagos recently.

Telecoms consumers on Internet-connected smartphones 

Mr. Reuben Muoka, Director of Public Affairs at NCC, Thursday, June 15, 2023, stated Prof. Danbatta, while addressing stakeholders at the event, said one of the regulatory frameworks the Commission has designed and introduced is the Internet Code of Practice (ICP) for the telecoms industry in the West African country.

Objectives of Internet Code of Practice

The NCC EVC/CEO noted the ICP is essentially, meant to protect the right of Internet users to an open Internet and provide clear guidelines to Internet Access Service Providers on the use of traffic management practices.

The Internet Code, Danbatta stated, also outlines the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in relation to the protection of consumers’ personal data as well as lists the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in the handling of offensive and potentially-harmful content, and the protection of minors and vulnerable audiences online; among others, said the NCC Chief.

The Executive Vice-Chairman further explained through upholding the tenets of Internet Governance Code, the telecoms regulatory Commission, in collaboration with other industry stakeholders, could make networks safe and get telecoms consumers protected online.

Danbatta, represented on the occasion by Dr. Chidi Diugwu, Head of New Media and Information Security at NCC, spoke on the theme of the event, “5G: Data Governance, Safety and Security in Nigeria”.

Regulatory frameworks and effective data governance

He stressed that building robust legal and regulatory frameworks is a crucial requirement for effective data governance in Nigeria, and the ICP provides the framework in this regard.

The EVC/CEO of the Commission, however, underscored the need for telecoms licensees, especially the MNOs and ISPs, to adhere strictly to industry frameworks introduced to enthrone effective governance in Internet delivery services to consumers in the ecosystem.

5G networks, consumer privacy, data integrity and online trust

Danbatta as well said with the emergence of new technologies, such as the Fifth Generation (5G), currently being deployed in Nigeria, there is a need to pay greater attention to the issue of privacy, data integrity and online trust across telecoms networks in the country.

He also noted: “As we embrace the transformative potential of newer technologies, such as 5G, we must prioritise safety concerns because the amount and speed of data generated, using 5G technology, is unprecedented.

“As such, we need to always prioritise consumer privacy, transparency, and ethical data use.

“This can be achieved by cultivating trust and handling data responsibly, and by doing so, we can unlock the full potential of 5G technology and promote innovation in Nigeria.”

He equally emphasised that the Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 requests NCC’s licencees to prevent their network facilities or services from being used in for the commission of any offence under any law in operation in Nigeria.

“In this regard, licensees are required to collaborate with the Commission by complying with their legal and regulatory obligations towards ensuring effective Internet governance in Nigeria,” Danbatta said.

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