Reps task NCC, telecoms operators on pornographic materials

House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and telecommunication service providers to put necessary measures in place to check the use of phones and other devices used for pornographic, homosexual and immoral materials.

The resolution was passed sequel to the adoption of the motion titled: ‘Call for censoring of the social media,’ sponsored by Johnbull Shekarau.

In his lead debate, Shekarau noted that the “social media is an inexpensive and widely accessible electronic tool that enables anyone to publish or access information, collaborate or build relationships, share or exchange videos, pictures, ideas and interests in a computer based network and many Nigerians, especially the youth are connected to different platforms, such as YouTube, Whatsapp, Facebook, hangouts, wechat, among others.

“All the social media platforms have a self-imposed minimum age of not less than 13 years for the setting up of profiles, depending on the site but certain individuals and organisations take advantage of the lapses in the social media usage to post or send, receive or download sexual, homosexual, pornographic and other immoral/illicit materials on the sites.”

The lawmaker noted that the hosting of inappropriate materials with sexual, pornographic or homosexual contents, portends grave danger to the long-term survival of the nation’s moral values, given the systematic mode of Braun washing that is going on in the social media.

To this end, the House also urged telecommunication service providers to develop or acquire software that will block content that violate moral and religious values.

The lawmakers also urged the telecoms service providers to use a notice take down procedure that will enable a swift removal of any sexual, pornographic or homosexual material when notified by network users by the dedicated hotlines that will receive and treat complaints.

They further urged NCC to create significant barriers to the misuse of mobile networks and services, phones and other devices used for the perpetration of such inappropriate and immoral/illicit materials.

On his part, Obinna Chidoka stressed the need to strengthen the cyber crime legislation.

The House adopted the motion after the deputy speaker, Yussuff Lasun, put it to a voice vote.