The Senate has advanced a bill that would require international social media platforms and bloggers to establish physical offices within the country.
Sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, the bill aims to amend the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023, ensuring compliance among social media companies operating in Nigeria.
The proposed legislation would mandate social media platforms, data controllers, and data processors to establish physical offices in Nigeria.
This move is intended to enhance accountability, improve user support, and ensure compliance with Nigerian laws.
Key Provisions of the Bill:
- Physical Offices: Social media platforms and bloggers must establish verifiable offices in Nigeria.
- Employee Records: Bloggers must keep proper employee records.
- National Body: Bloggers must belong to a harmonized national body with its headquarters in Abuja.
- Regulation: The bill seeks to regulate bloggers, ensuring professionalism, transparency, and responsibility in their operations.
Proponents of the bill argue that it would foster a “fair and just” online environment, while critics worry about the potential economic and logistical implications for social media companies and bloggers.
The bill has passed its second reading and will now be reviewed by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security.