The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has warned the public against the spread of false information as Nigeria approaches the 2023 general elections.
The Agency said in an Advisory it provided on Wednesday that “The internet is a shared resource, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure safe use of it by preventing the spread of misinformation and disinformation (fake news).
“This can be achieved by flagging and reporting information which we suspect or believe to be false through the appropriate channels provided by the Online Platforms.”
Similarly, the Agency through the Advisory is notifying the public of the existence of the Nigerian Fact-checking Coalition (NFC) which consists of fact-checking organisations, civil societies, and newsrooms that are collaborating to curb the spread of misinformation and disinformation in Nigeria.
The Agency enjoined Nigerians to engage the Coalition directly to ascertain the veracity of information in circulation.
It listed the members of the Coalition to include FactCheckHub, Africa Check, Dubawa, International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), and FactsMatterNG.
Others are The Cable, Daily Trust, Premium Times, The Insight, Centre for Democracy and Development (CDD), and Digital Africa Research Lab.
“This advisory is issued pursuant to the Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries,” the statement explained.
The Code of Practice for Interactive Computer Service Platforms/Internet Intermediaries can be accessed at: https://nitda.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/APPROVED-NITDA-CODE-OF-PRACTIVE-FOR-INTERACTIVE-COMPUTER-SERVICE-PLATFORMS-INTERNET-INTERMEDIARIES-2022-002.pdf
