The National Child Online Protection Policy and Strategy has been approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Isa Pantami, Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, revealed that the policy’s main goal is to shield kids from internet content that they haven’t asked for.
In accordance with a policy statement issued by the International Telecommunication Union on safeguarding children in the digital age, he claims that this has become a universal obligation.
“According to the report of the International Telecommunication Union, even during COVID-19, more than one billion children were online, most of them for their studies because schools were shut down. So, they switched only to virtual learning.
“Children will not be able to differentiate what is beneficial or what is harmful.
“And today without any solicitation, if you go online, you will discover that many things are coming into your device unsolicitedly.
“And if you are at least matured, you will be able to avoid but children would not be able to and that will definitely affect their innocence and will even affect them morally and otherwise.”
He said it is against this backdrop that the council approved the National Child Online Protection Policy and Strategy.
Pantami noted that the government is working with 37 institutions of government including NOA, NBC, Ministry of Justice, Information and culture, Office of the National Security Adviser among others in a multi sector approach.
He said that towards its implementation, a governance structure using these relevant institutions of government would map out strategies, leveraging on existing laws.
The council also approved the National Data Protection Bill to ensure the privacy, confidentiality and security of data submitted to government and private institutions.
Former Director of e-government at NITDA, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has also been approved as the National Commissioner.