In a groundbreaking move, Institutional Reformer Jonah Ubanmhen, Executive Director, Digital Awareness International, is spearheading the introduction of common law to support the protection of citizens’ rights in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital broadcast.
The move is an integral step in the vision of unlocking the many prospects inherent in the sector as well as recognizing the growing influence and impact of digital media in our individual lives. The Goal is to establish a robust legal framework that safeguards fundamental rights of citizens in this digital age.
In a Statement signed by Jonah Ubanmhen, Executive Director, Digital Awareness International the group says “where information is disseminated at unprecedented speed through various digital channels, concerns about privacy, freedom of expression, and access to unbiased information have to be addressed.
The proposed common law seeks to address these concerns by providing a comprehensive set of regulations specifically tailored to the challenges post by digital broadcast platforms.
The DAI, says its research and documentations team has put-up a draft legal framework that adapts to the dynamic nature of digital communication while upholding the core principles of individual rights and will soon present the Draft Regulation before key industry stakeholders. The proposed law “aims to strike a delicate balance between fostering innovation and rights to free speech and ensuring that citizens are shielded from potential abuses of power within the digital system”
Key provisions of the proposed common law include:
- Privacy Protection: The law will establish clear guidelines on the collection, storage, and use of personal data by digital broadcast platforms, ensuring that individuals’ privacy is respected and safeguarded
- Freedom of Expression: Preserving the freedom of expression in the digital space is paramount. Consequently, the common law will delineate the boundaries within which digital broadcasters must operate to prevent the spread of misinformation or the suppression of diverse viewpoints.
- Access to Information: To promote an informed citizenry, the law will address issues related to fair and access to information, preventing any undue influence that may compromise the integrity of the information available through digital broadcasts channels.
- Accountability and Transparency: Digital broadcast platforms will be held accountable for their content moderation practices. The law will require transparency
and ethical considerations in editorial and other decision-making processes to mitigate the risk of biased or discretionary actions.
Jonah Ubanmhen, Executive Director of Digital Awareness International, believes that the introduction of common law in this territory is a crucial step toward establishing a framework that protects citizens’ rights without stifling innovation. Jonah also stressed that “The initiative reflects a commitment to creating an environment where individuals can engage with digital media confidently, knowing that their rights are secure and protected”. As the proposal moves through the various stakeholders engagement forum, legislators and stakeholders are advised to make the Laws truly reflective of the desires and wishes of the people, who are eagerly anticipating a landmark regulation that will shape the future of digital communication and individual liberties in Nigeria.
