The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has criticised a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, warning that it could restrict civic space, freedom of expression and access to information….
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has criticised a proposed amendment to the Nigeria Data Protection Act, warning that it could restrict civic space, freedom of expression and access to information.
In a statement, the organisation said the Nigeria Data Protection Act (Amendment) Bill, currently before the National Assembly, would require social media platforms operating in Nigeria to establish physical offices in the country.
According to SERAP, the proposed legislation would also empower the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) to prohibit or shut down social media platforms that fail to comply with the requirement within 30 days.
The organisation argued that the bill could undermine fundamental rights and called on lawmakers to prioritise legislation that protects human rights and serves the public interest.
SERAP urged Nigerians to scrutinise the proposed amendment and called on the National Assembly to reject what it described as a repressive proposal.
