Nigeria Urged to Safeguard Online Rights in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – CITAD

As Nigeria advances into the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cutting-edge technology, the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has emphasized the urgent need for the government to safeguard the online rights of its citizens.

Ali Sabo, the Digital Rights Officer of CITAD, made this known during a two-day workshop aimed at enhancing Digital Rights Awareness for Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and journalists. The event, organized in partnership with the Association for Progressive Communication (APC), took place recently in Kano.

Sabo stressed that digital rights are now as critical as traditional human rights enjoyed offline.

“Digital rights have become one of the pressing global concerns. The fundamental rights that we exercise offline, such as freedom of expression, association, and movement, should equally be upheld in the digital space,” Sabo emphasized.

He highlighted that Nigeria is not just dealing with the internet anymore but is gradually embracing AI, robotics, and other sophisticated technologies. As a result, it becomes essential for authorities to extend the same level of protection to online rights as they do offline.

A growing challenge, according to Sabo, is the rampant spread of misinformation, hate speech, and fake news on digital platforms, which poses significant societal threats.

He also drew attention to the disturbing rise in gender-based violence occurring online.

“We’ve witnessed incidents where individuals are harassed, bullied, or attacked virtually. The psychological damage from such abuse can be devastating, leading some victims to the point of suicide,” he stated.

Sabo further asserted that internet access is not a luxury but a fundamental right. CITAD remains dedicated to documenting cases of digital rights violations and supporting affected individuals.

“We are empowering 20 civil society advocates and journalists across diverse sectors to give a voice to the voiceless by spotlighting instances of digital rights abuse nationwide,” Sabo noted.

CITAD’s efforts focus on defending essential digital freedoms, including the rights to free expression, peaceful assembly, movement, and access to information. The organization also champions equitable and inclusive internet access for every Nigerian, regardless of their location.

Despite the establishment of the Cybercrime Act in 2015, initially designed to curb online criminal activities, Sabo argued that the legislation is increasingly being exploited by authorities to suppress dissent.

“There is a growing misuse of the Cybercrime Act. Sometimes, the government invokes this law as a pretext to target journalists, civil society members, and opposition figures,” Sabo warned.

CITAD called on the Nigerian government to refrain from leveraging security-focused laws to silence citizens and curtail free speech. Instead, the organization advocates for the creation of a digital environment that is secure, open, and equitable for all Nigerians.