Nigeria

House of Representatives directs NCC to block pornographic websites: Lawmakers directed the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) to block access to pornographic websites and impose sanctions on internet service providers that fail to comply.

NCC bars Nigerians under 18 from owning SIM cards: The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) implemented a policy preventing individuals under the age of 18 from owning SIM cards.

NITDA released draft Code of Practice for Computer Service Platforms and Internet Intermediaries: The draft Code mandates internet intermediaries to take down 'unlawful and prohibited' content within 24 hours.

Federal government directed blocking of unlinked SIM cards: All telecommunications companies were directed to block SIM cards not linked to a resident’s National Identity Number (NIN).

Twitter ban lifted: Twitter became accessible again after, authorities claim, Twitter agreed to several conditions.

National Assembly approved budget for surveillance technology: Budget approved for WhatsApp Intercept Solution and Thuraya Interception Solution to monitor calls, texts, and data traffic.

Government blocked Twitter: The Nigerian government blocked Twitter on most major networks after the platform censored a tweet by President Buhari.

Government ordered citizens to link SIM card registration with National Identity Number (NIN): The directive threatened to disconnect lines of those who did not register within a two-week window, later repeatedly postponed.

National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) published amendments to Nigerian Broadcasting Code: The amendments included regulations for online broadcasters for the first time, imposing liability for content posted on their platforms.

Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulation Bill 2019 introduced: This bill, if passed, would allow the government to disrupt internet access, block social media platforms, and institute fines or imprisonment for statements 'prejudicial to national security' or 'diminish public confidence' in the government. It has not advanced since a public hearing in March 2020.

Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Bill 2016 signed into law: The law establishes procedures for cooperation with other countries in criminal cases, including provisions for telecommunications interception and access to stored electronic data.

NITDA Framework and Guidelines for Public Internet Access released: The framework aims to regulate the provision and use of public internet access, requiring PIAPs to register users and verify via mobile number.

Communication Service Tax Bill 2015 introduced: This bill, if passed, would impose a 9 percent tax on consumers for communications services, potentially decreasing internet affordability.

Cybercrime Act 2015 enacted: The Act provides a framework for addressing cybercrime but contains broadly worded provisions that can be used to punish legitimate expression, including sections on child pornography and 'obscene' messages.

Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act enacted: This act criminalizes public displays of same-sex relationships, contributing to online self-censorship among LGBT+ individuals.

NCC directive for cybercafés to maintain user database: The NCC directed cybercafés to maintain an up-to-date database of subscribers and users, including full names, physical addresses, passport photos, and telephone numbers.

Guidelines for Nigerian Content Development in Information and Communications Technology (ICT) issued by NITDA: These guidelines mandate data localization, requiring ICT companies to host all subscriber and consumer data locally within the country.

SIM card registration requirements instituted: SIM card registration requirements were instituted, threatening users’ rights to anonymous communication and privacy.

NITDA Act enacted: The NITDA Act (2007) mandates the agency to create a framework for IT practices, activities and systems in Nigeria.

Nigeria Communications Act enacted: The Act vests regulatory responsibility over the ICT sector with the NCC.

National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) created: NITDA was created to implement the Nigerian Information Technology Policy and co-ordinate general IT development in the country.