Given the strategic role that judges and lawyers play in the enjoyment of digital rights, ASF France – Lawyers without Borders France), CITAD and Spaces for Change hosted two trainings for judges and lawyers from Abuja and Kano State on enhancing digital rights in Nigeria (e-RIGHTS) project in the FCT-Abuja.
The training which aimed at increasing the knowledge of legal and judicial actors on international legislation and standards on digital rights was conducted for 14 judges and 16 lawyers.
The Vice-president of ASF France, Mr. Ivan Paneff said: “An activity of this sort is very crucial for the enjoyment of digital rights in Nigeria. Judges and lawyers play a pivotal role in every rights-based issue; thus, judges and lawyers must be updated on European and international standards for a safe internet and freedom of speech in the digital space.”
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Y.C. Maikyau, was represented by the Chairman of the NBA Abuja branch, Barr. Afam Okeke.
Okeke in his remarks said: “This training is a very welcome development, it presents an opportunity for us to delve into a realm of digital rights, an area of paramount importance in our rapidly evolving world.
“Let us as lawyers and judges rise to the challenge and stand as pillars of justice defending the digital rights of all Nigerians.”
The Chief Judge of the FCT, Hon. Justice Hussein Baba Yusuf, represented by Justice N.C Ndukwe Nwabulu said: “In an increasingly interconnected world, where the digital realm intertwines with every facet of our lives, the significance of training on digital rights for judges and lawyers cannot be overstated.”
The Country Director of ASF France, Mrs Angela Uwandu Uzoma-Iwuchukwu gave an overview of the e-RIGHTS project, highlighting its objectives which cut across capacity building, legal assistance, advocacy and awareness of digital rights. The activity featured a presentation of founding international, African, European and French conventions, brainstorming and discussion sessions on the Nigerian legal framework on digital rights and the impact of policy and regulatory instruments on digital rights and civic space, various case studies on fake news and A.I, internet bans and shutdowns, online harassment and illegal online content, privacy and cybersecurity.
Recommendations gathered from the participants include: Develop consultation with stakeholders, including civil society organizations and technology companies for dealing with misinformation on social media platforms. Avoid using blunt instruments, such as blocking websites or social media platforms. Translating legal instruments into different Nigerian languages. Focus on the implementation of the laws related to freedom of expression and digital rights.
Also, Training of government agency staff (public officers) on the digital rights laws. There is a need for policy and ethical guidelines for using Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Nigeria. Establish a national AI strategy. Promote public understanding of AI. It is important for people to understand the benefits and risks of AI, Reporting Mechanisms: Platforms can be mandated to have robust reporting mechanisms for users to flag inappropriate content. Timely and effective responses to reports should be a requirement.
Social media platforms play a major role in shaping public discourse and information flows. Thus, it is required for social media platforms to be transparent. This includes disclosing how they identify and remove misinformation and disinformation, and how they decide who gets banned.
Raise awareness of the problem of online harassment and its impact on activists through public education campaigns, training for social media companies, and support for victims of harassment.
Implement more of this training for judges to sustain knowledge increase in this area and help them to insert and apply the necessary texts to motivate their decisions.
