E-Business
What Nigerians Should Look Out for on Digital Rights, Policy Landscape in 2018
By Adeboye Adegoke
The year 2018 was heralded by the unfortunate news of the arrest of a UK-based, Nigeria blogger by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad popularly referred to as SARS at the early hours of Monday, January 1, 2018, at his residence in Anambra state.
While Internet users and enthusiasts especially those who are actively engaged on different platforms on the Internet were looking forward to new applications, innovations and other forms of exciting developments as the year approached, the first Internet-related news in Nigeria had to be the arrest of the blogger Daniel Elombah in a gestapo-style operation which is suitable, only for armed and hardened criminals.
This is not in any way a departure from what was witnessed throughout last year but more than anything, this is a signal that we must brace up for policies that seeks to control how people use Internet platforms in 2018 and these will be for different reasons; ranging from the sheer desire by politicians to control the narratives, launder their image as the election approaches as well as legitimate concerns around security usually demonstrated by policies aimed at curbing fake news and hate speeches.
It is definitely an interesting year ahead and more than before, the Nigerian citizens would be called upon as the guardian of the space as the government would be an increasing vested interest in Internet Policy discourse.
Forecasting 2018 suggest to me that many Nigerians will be forced to get involved in the policy process as we did when the infamous “Anti-Social Media Bill” was introduced in the Nigerian Senate in 2015 and the reason is not far-fetched; I will delve into it immediately;
The 2019 General Elections: 2018 is the pre-election year. Engagement on social media platforms is about to increase geometrically. In an African focused study titled ‘How Africa Tweets’ conducted in 2015, Nigeria was the second largest country in Africa with geolocated tweets (360) million.
Also, According to Data by Internet Stats, Nigeria has 16,000,000 active Facebook users as at June 2017. These stats are to underscore how much we have embraced the use of Social media platforms in Nigeria especially for political debates, discourse, commerce and Social Interactions. While the platform providers will be smiling to the bank, the conversations will get heated, politicians will try to shape the narratives, political parties will attempt at selling their agenda.
There will be hate, fake news and policies will be contemplated to curb fake news, hate and insightful comments and this, the government will leverage to its political advantage by targeting dissent and opposing voices.
One important focus area for Digital Rights organisations in 2018 is to work with other civil society organisations and concerned citizens to fight the monster of fake news as the election approaches.
It is also important to pay attention to what the various platforms are doing to address the problems because the policies adopted by these platforms have implications for Digital Rights as well. Facebook, for example, is deleting accounts at the request of the U.S. & Israeli governments on the bogus grounds of “incitement”.
In 2018, the government will collaborate more with ISP’s, Telecoms Companies to censor, limit content etc. It will use security agencies to clamp down on bloggers and people who express dissenting views but these will be justified by the need to fight fake news, hate speech and insightful comments. There is no better indicator to this assertion than the Hate Speech (Prohibition) Bill, 2017 (HB. 1211) sponsored by a member of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC): One of the lows of lawmaking in Nigeria is that the public doesn’t have access to the content of Bills being considered except you have access to insiders, but the name of this Bill gave it away as a likely dangerous Bill which will be used to gag free speech as the 2019 elections approaches.
Apart from elections, other factors that will shape the Digital Rights and Policy discourse in 2018 are considered below;
NCC Internet Code of Practice: The Nigeria Communications Commissions (NCC) has not done badly with respect to making its draft regulation available for the public and it regularly calls for stakeholder’s input.
Where it has erred however is how it sometimes jettison inputs without feedback to those who made the inputs as to why those inputs were not captioned. One wonders if the calls for Stakeholder’s inputs were genuine or it’s just about “fulfilling all righteousness”. The NCC must consider this as an important feedback.
The Draft Internet Code of practice, however, appears to be a great initiative and one that promotes the open and free internet. The stated objectives of the code are to: a) Protect the right of Internet users to an Open Internet; b) Provide clear guidelines to Internet Access Service Providers on the use of traffic management practices; c) Outline the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in relation to the protection of consumers’ personal data; d) Outline the obligations of Internet Access Service Providers in the handling of offensive and potentially harmful content, and the protection of minors online; e) Ensure adequate safeguards are put in place by Internet Access Service Providers against unsolicited internet communications; f) Establish best practices for Internet Governance in Nigeria, in line with emerging issues and global trends.
The application of the first part of objective “D” is definitely one to look out for as it is prone to manipulations by the powers that be. Whether this will happen or not is a function of how independent the NCC is. Unfortunately the NCC is rarely independent of the government of the day, neither is there proofs that it queries memo from the office of the National Security Adviser but let’s wait and see how these code will fare when and if it becomes operational.
FCC decision to Repeal Net Neutrality: Federal Communication Commission FCC is the United States of America equivalent of the NCC.
In a 3-2 close call, it voted to repeal net neutrality in the United States in December 2017. Someone might wonder how that’s relevant to Nigeria. It is relevant because a lot of countries including Nigeria look up to the United States for policy direction.
It must be noted that the NCC has been under pressure before now by telecoms and ISP’s to allow them to apply extra charges for OTT services, this, the NCC resisted over the years. With the development in the US, business interest will have a “legitimate” example in their quest to subdue Net Neutrality principles and milk internet users by discriminating against Internet traffic/applications according to how much internet users are able to pay for desired services. The Youtube, Instagram, Snapchat and online streaming services’ lovers would be largely affected if this happens.
The Positives for Internet Users
Two Important draft legislation is on the verge of becoming Law in Nigeria, The Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (HB 430) which among other reasons situate human rights in the midst of technological innovations to help balance out the need for innovation on one hand, the need for rule of law on the other as emerging National security concerns are addressed. Also, Data Protection Bill (HB 02) address the need for Data protection law in Nigeria.
It is hoped that these two legislations which have been passed by the House of Representatives become law by getting the required Senate concurrence and Presidential Assent in 2018.
These two draft legislation have the potential to militate against any form of abuse and violations, feared, as we prepare for elections.
Adeboye @adeboyeBGO is a Digital Rights Advocate with Paradigm Initiative.
Ozi (www.ozionline.com), a pioneer community-driven delivery app, launches today, offering users a new way to send packages and earn extra cash.
By connecting people traveling with those needing package delivery, Ozi turns everyday trips into profitable opportunities, aiming to disrupt the global parcel delivery industry, also known as the Courier, Express, and Parcel (CEP) market, currently valued at around $460 billion.
Imagine this scenario – You’re traveling to Abuja from Lagos and have empty space in your car. With Ozi, that unused capacity can earn you extra cash by delivering a package along the way. Or maybe you’re a small business owner who needs to send a package to another state but balk at the high cost of courier services.
With Ozi, you can find a verified traveler heading in the right direction to handle your delivery, Mr. Ikenna Ani, Ozi’s co-founder and CEO, said during the startup launch held today at Four Point by Sheraton, Victoria Island, Lagos.
“Why travel empty when you can earn?” asks Mr. Ani said. “Ozi allows travelers to make the most of their journeys while helping others get their packages delivered with ease.”
“This simple yet powerful idea leverages the daily movements of millions of Nigerians to create a logistics network that is fast, affordable, and efficient.
“Ozi’s unique approach leverages the everyday movement of travelers to bridge this gap, creating a system where everyone benefits”.
He said that the choice of Nigeria as the first launch-location for Ozi was due the potential the country holds in the parcel delivery sub-sector.
“Actually, we had the opportunity to launch OZI in another country outside Nigeria but for our thrust in the Nigerian dream and its potentials made us choose the country as the first to witness Ozi’s innovation”, Ikenna Ani said. “Travelers can now monetize their journeys by delivering packages along their routes, while senders gain access to an affordable and convenient alternative to traditional courier services”.
Ozi combines convenience, innovation, and community to deliver a win-win solution for Nigerians. From quick intra-city deliveries to long-distance trips, Ozi offers an affordable, efficient solution for all.
Whether you’re a traveler looking to earn on your trips or a sender seeking a reliable delivery option, Ozi offers a solution that works for everyone.
In the words of Engr. Christian Chime, the co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Ozi, “Ozi’s mission goes beyond simplifying package delivery. The app represents a broader effort to create shared value for all stakeholders in the logistics process. By connecting senders and travelers, Ozi creates a win-win scenario where costs are reduced, trust is built, and income opportunities are created”.
“Ozi prioritizes safety and transparency. Every user, whether sender or traveler, undergoes a comprehensive verification process that includes ID checks and phone number authentication. This ensures that all participants in the system are trustworthy and accountable”.
To enhance security further, Engr. Chime said that Ozi offers real-time tracking for all transactions. Senders can monitor their packages throughout the delivery process, ensuring peace of mind. For high-value items, optional insurance coverage provides an added layer of protection, reinforcing Ozi’s commitment to reliability.
“At Ozi, we understand that trust is critical in logistics,” the CTO added. “That’s why we’ve built a platform where every step is designed to safeguard both the traveler and the sender.”
“Ozi is more than an app; it’s a community where everyone wins,” said Azubike Augustine, co-founder/COO of Ozi.
“From today, travelers across the globe can sign up through www.ozionline.com and start making every trip count”, he said. “We have put measures in place to ensure only genuine and verified travelers or senders use the platform. Security is primary for us”.
He added that the app will be released on Google Play Story and Apple (iOS) on January 1, 2025. Ozi Live on Instagram | Facebook.
Temu is set to enchant the holiday season with its unique blend of green magic, bringing a touch of festive wonder to Christmas celebrations. The initiative, themed “Ride the ‘Wicked’ Wave,” promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, combining technology, entertainment, and commerce to create a magical holiday atmosphere.
Temu’s green magic initiative aims to captivate audiences with a variety of festive offerings, from fashion to home decor, handmade crafts, beauty items, chic clothes, shoes, and more.
The platform’s innovative approach ensures that customers can enjoy a seamless shopping experience, with free shipping on all orders1.
As part of the celebration, Temu has also introduced a magical winter Christmas backdrop, perfect for creating a festive ambiance at home.
This backdrop, made from high-quality polyester, is designed to bring the spirit of the season to life, making it an ideal addition to any holiday decor.
With its commitment to providing exceptional products and services, Temu continues to set new standards in the e-commerce industry, ensuring that customers can enjoy the magic of Christmas in style
With the holiday season here, it’s not only a time for magic and celebration but also a prime opportunity for fraudsters to exploit the festive rush for gifts and bargains.
Amid the sparkle of year-end celebrations, cybersecurity experts at Kaspersky have identified several prominent scams targeting consumers across various regions and languages.
Fake holiday shops
Deceptive online stores mimic the look and feel of legitimate e-commerce sites, offering seasonal items such as decorations, gifts, and even trees at steep discounts.
These sites often appear highly localised, adapting their language and currency based on the user’s geographic location, leveraging data extracted from browsers.
Victims typically encounter these stores by following links in ads or pop-ups.
These sites aim to steal funds. Often, these fraudulent stores exist only for a short period, as they get flagged by the vendors of goods.
Free mobile data offer
This scam plays on the allure of free services, claiming to provide free mobile data valid across all major telecom providers.
In order to receive the free data, victims are required to share the promotion link with 10–15 contacts via WhatsApp, ensuring the scam spreads exponentially.
After sharing, victims are prompted to enter their personal details — name, phone number, and email — into a form.
The collected data is then sold on the Dark Web or used in other fraudulent activities.
In some cases, victims unknowingly download malware that compromises their devices, leading to further exploitation.
Holiday payments on behalf of government agencies
Fraudsters impersonate government authorities, promising fictitious payments in celebration of the holidays.
This scam has been reported in several African countries, including Kenya and Nigeria.
To receive payment, victims are directed to fill out a survey which requires personal details like name and phone number.
Once the survey is completed the user is asked to share the link to the announcement with their connections via WhatsApp.
These details are collected and added to fraudulent databases, then sold to third parties or used for phishing attacks and identity theft.
This scam exploits trust in government systems and the festive spirit of giving.
Christmas recipe scam
This scam begins with a seemingly harmless email promoting a holiday cake recipe.
Victims are encouraged to pay a small fee to access the recipe.
Once payment is made, the victim’s credit card information is stolen. The fraudsters also collect other personal information essential for accessing banking services.
“Holiday scams are not a new phenomenon, but they have evolved to become increasingly sophisticated, leveraging regional traditions and technology to exploit unsuspecting victims.
The rush of the holidays makes people more vulnerable — they’re distracted, eager to grab a deal, or trust promotions that align with festive themes. Cybercriminals are not just stealing money — they’re building massive databases of personal information that fuel future fraudulent schemes.
The holiday season is a time for joy and giving, but users need to remain vigilant to ensure they’re not unknowingly giving fraudsters the tools to exploit them further,” said Olga Svistunova, Senior Web Content Analyst at Kaspersky.
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