The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has stated that it is not responsible for monitoring the content of social media networks, despite calls for intervention from stakeholders.
During a recent visit by the National Civil Society Council of Nigeria (NCSCN), Executive Secretary Blessing Akinsolotu sought the Commission’s help in controlling the spread of fake news and misleading content on social media platforms.
However, the Director of Public Affairs of the Commission, Reuben Muoka, clarified that the regulator’s mandate does not extend to monitoring the content of such media platforms.
The Commission’s primary role is to facilitate the deployment of telecom infrastructure that provides various types of telecommunications services, including improving broadband for a better internet experience and ensuring fair competition while protecting consumers.
Muoka added that the Commission promotes collaboration and partnerships with different stakeholders such as the NCSCN in creating awareness and promoting access to different categories of consumers in the country.
He expressed the Commission’s interest in further collaboration with the NCSCN in its efforts to align with the aspirations of telecommunications service users across the country.
The NCSCN commended the Commission for its consumer-centric regulatory activities and called for collaboration to spread the message of the Commission’s consumer enlightenment programs to Nigerians in the grassroots through its 100-member Civil Society Organization (CSOs).
The Council also invited the Commission to partner with it in hosting a conference aimed at tackling the proliferation of fake news on social media networks.
