NBC Engaging Google, TikTok in Efforts to Regulate Social Media

• Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) plans to regulate social media to curb its misuse, particularly among young users
• NBC is engaging with social media platform owners and stakeholders to strengthen existing laws and propose new legislation for regulation

Nigeria’s National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) has revealed its intentions and strategies to regulate social media. In a conversation with Trust Radio, Mrs. Francisca Aiyetan, Director of Broadcast Monitoring at NBC, emphasized the importance of regulating social media to prevent the misguided use of these platforms, particularly among young people.

Mrs. Aiyetan mentioned that various countries, including Nigeria, are trying to regulate social media, acknowledging both its positive opportunities and potential pitfalls. She highlighted the need for legislation and strengthening existing laws to address the evolving landscape of broadcasting and content sharing.

The director explained that regulatory discussions involving stakeholders and relevant parties are ongoing. These discussions aim to reach a consensus on the necessity of social media regulation. Once a consensus is achieved, legislation will be proposed to support these efforts.

Mrs. Aiyetan mentioned that as the regulatory body, NBC is already engaging with platform owners, including Google, YouTube, TikTok, and others. This engagement allows NBC to address concerns and escalate issues considered threats or potentially harmful to the public. NBC requests that problematic content be taken down as part of this process. Thus far, this approach has yielded positive results.

The issue of social media regulation has garnered significant attention, especially since the Director-General of NBC, Balarabe Ilelah, announced the submission of a regulation bill to the National Assembly. The bill seeks to repeal and reenact the NBC Act and was described as necessary to provide NBC with the legal authority required for regulating social media.

Ilelah referred to social media as a “monster” with its share of challenges, and he expressed the need for appropriate laws and regulations to empower NBC. He noted that the current law does not grant NBC the authority to control social media.