Freedom House (US based watchdog dedicated to the expansion of freedom and democracy around the world) has released the 2017 Freedom of the Net report – the latest edition of the annual country-by-country assessment of Internet freedom. According to the report about Nigeria, “Internet freedom in Nigeria remained stagnant in the past year amidst an ongoing trend of intimidation and arrests for online criticisms against government officials”. In fact, not much has changed from 2011 to date as our status remained “Partly Free”. Here is a brief summary of the report:
The Good News
Online media is relatively free from restrictions in Nigeria. There is no blocking of Internet access or use of VPN and no filtering of online content reported during the period under review. Thanks to a vigorous civil society and a vibrant, savvy, and growing internet user population, enabled by a strong and innovative technology sector which has helped defend and enhance internet freedom for Nigerians.
Some of the notable successes recorded within the context of digital activism and advocacy efforts in Nigeria include the Digital Rights and Freedom Bill (currently before the national assembly) that seek to protect internet freedom and digital privacy in Nigeria, defeat of the Frivolous Petitions Prohibition Bill, or the so-called social media bill, in 2016, and more recently (if i may add) the #EndSARS campaign which led to the order by the IGP for the immediate restructuring of the squad and probe of alleged crimes.
The Bad News
Despite the progress observed, intimidation and harassment for online expression have become more common. At least seven arrests were documented during the period under review with no indication of subsiding throughout the year.
The Cybercrime Act signed into law by former President Goodluck Jonathan is being used to arrest and intimidate several bloggers and online journalists on charges of “cyberstalking” for online writings that criticized government officials and powerful business people. According to a Premium Times report, almost all the arrests made in connection with the Cybercrime Law involved individuals and bloggers that were critical of the government, government officials or powerful individuals. I am not sure if there are any convictions related to genuine cases of cybercrime, based on the Cybercrime Law.
Though not part of the report, let me add that fake news and manipulation of information on social media is becoming a rising source of concern to Internet freedom within the Nigerian cyber space. Notwithstanding, we hope to see more progress towards Internet freedom in the coming years in Nigeria.
