Protecting Children Online: Can the New Bill Deliver?

By Dr. Henry C. Uzokwe

The digital revolution has brought both remarkable opportunities and unprecedented risks. As Nigerian children increasingly navigate the online world for education, entertainment, and social interaction, they are also exposed to a range of dangers, from cyberbullying to exploitation and harmful content. In response to these threats, the Nigerian government has introduced the Child Online Access Protection Bill 2023, aimed at making the country one of the safest digital environments for minors. But the question remains: Can this bill truly be delivered on its promises?

Growing Threats to Children Online

Children’s online safety is no longer an issue of the future; it is a pressing concern today. Studies show that internet use among Nigerian children has skyrocketed, making them vulnerable to cyber predators, inappropriate content, and data privacy breaches. According to “Internet World Stats,” Nigeria has the most significant number of internet users in Africa and ranks seventh globally. However, the absence of a robust regulatory framework has left children unprotected, with digital platforms often prioritizing profits over safety. The impact of online harms cannot be overstated. Reports indicate that children as young as six are exposed to explicit content, online grooming, and financial scams. In some cases, children have fallen victim to human traffickers who exploit social media and messaging apps. The psychological and emotional toll on young users is immense, leading to anxiety, depression, and, in extreme cases, self-harm.

Can the New Bill Provide Real Protection?

The Child Online Access Protection Bill 2023 seeks to address these dangers by establishing new safety standards for digital platforms. Key provisions of the bill include:

Mandatory content regulation to remove harmful material targeting children.

Stricter data privacy laws to prevent unauthorized collection of children’s personal information.

A complaint mechanism requires digital service providers to respond promptly to reports of online harm.

Age verification measures to restrict access to inappropriate content.

Legal accountability for tech companies that fail to protect children.

These measures, if properly implemented, could have a significant impact. However, challenges remain. One of the biggest concerns is “enforcement.” Who will ensure compliance? Nigeria lacks a centralized agency dedicated to online child protection, raising doubts about the bill’s effectiveness.

Another issue is funding. Will the regulatory framework be self-sustaining or rely on government intervention? Without proper financial backing, even the best legislation can fail in execution.

A Global Perspective: Learning from Others

Several countries have enacted similar laws to protect children online. For instance, the United Kingdom’s Online Safety Act imposes strict obligations on tech firms, while the United States’ Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) regulates the collection of data from minors. However, even these advanced frameworks face challenges in enforcement and industry compliance.

Nigeria must learn from these experiences and develop a system that not only holds digital platforms accountable but also educates parents and children on safe internet practices. The digital world is fast-evolving, and regulatory frameworks must adapt accordingly.

Balancing Safety and Digital Freedom

While the need to protect children is urgent, there is also the question of digital rights and freedom of expression. Critics argue that excessive regulation could lead to censorship, limiting the benefits of an open internet. Finding the right balance between safety and privacy is crucial.

 Moreover, internet safety cannot be left to the government alone. Schools, parents, and the tech industry must work together to create a safer digital space. Education on digital literacy should be integrated into school curriculums to equip children with the skills to identify and avoid online dangers.

Conclusion: A Step in the Right Direction?

The Child Online Access Protection Bill 2023 represents an important step toward securing Nigeria’s digital space for children. However, its success will depend on proper enforcement, industry cooperation, and continuous updates to keep pace with evolving online threats.

As a consumer protection advocate, I urge legislators to ensure that this bill does not remain just another policy on paper. We must prioritize the safety of our children while preserving the integrity of digital space. The internet should be a place of learning, creativity, and social connection, not a hunting ground for predators.

The responsibility of protecting children online does not rest solely with lawmakers. It is a shared duty, one that requires the commitment of parents, educators, tech companies, and society at large. Only through collective effort can we truly make Nigeria’s digital world a safe space for the next generation.

Dr Henry, a lawyer and educator, can be reached at : uzokweadvocate@gmail.com

Source: BarristerNG