The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) is currently engaged in discussions with major social media platforms, including Google and TikTok, to address user misconduct on these platforms.
In an interview with Daily Trust, Francisca Aiyetan, the Director of Broadcast Monitoring at NBC, highlighted the commission’s intent to oversee and regulate social media. She expressed concerns about the potential for social media to mislead young individuals.
Aiyetan stated, “Countries worldwide are actively working on regulating social media, and Nigeria is no exception. We recognize the immense potential of social media, but without proper regulation, it could become a platform that misguides our youth.”
“At this stage, we are in discussions with various stakeholders to reach a consensus on the necessity of regulating social media. Such regulation would involve legal measures, requiring amendments and enhancements to existing laws that address emerging trends in broadcasting and content sharing.”
She further explained, “Once we have the legal authority to take action, we can explore the technological means to enforce these regulations. In the meantime, as regulators, we engage with the owners of major platforms, including Google, YouTube, and TikTok, to better understand the dynamics behind these platforms.”
Earlier, Balarabe Ilelah, the Director-General of the NBC, had submitted a bill to the National Assembly aimed at regulating social media. Ilelah stressed the urgent need to amend and modernize the NBC Act, CAP L11 laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004, as the current legislation does not grant NBC the authority to oversee social media.
In characterizing the issues with social media, Ilelah referred to it as a “monster” that requires careful management and oversight. The NBC’s efforts are geared toward ensuring that the power to regulate social media is granted through legal means, thereby safeguarding the interests of the Nigerian public.
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