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🇳🇬 Nigeria /Technology

NASS Moves to Amend Data Protection Law Amid Rising Cyber Threats

From ThisDay · () English

Translated from English and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Nigeria's National Assembly is reviewing the National Data Protection Act, 2023, due to rising cyber threats and AI advancements.
  • The review aims to strengthen laws against increasing cross-border cybercrime and align with international standards like the UN Convention on Cybercrime.
  • Lawmakers are concerned about the misuse of personal data by online platforms and the need for better understanding of digital systems to improve regulation.

In response to a rapidly evolving digital landscape fraught with escalating cyber threats and the burgeoning influence of Artificial Intelligence, Nigeria's National Assembly is undertaking a crucial review of the National Data Protection Act of 2023. This legislative initiative, spearheaded by key committees on ICT and Cyber Security, signals a proactive stance by the Nigerian government to fortify its digital defenses and safeguard national interests in the online sphere.

stronger laws are required to safeguard Nigeria’s interests in the digital space.

· Senator Afolabi SalisuExplaining the necessity of reviewing and amending the data protection law.

The impetus for this review is multifaceted. Emerging global developments, including sophisticated AI tools employed by cybercriminals, the increasing sophistication of cross-border cybercrime, and the establishment of new international benchmarks such as the UN Convention on Cybercrime, necessitate an update to existing legislation. Nigeria has, like many nations, grappled with a growing number of identity theft cases, financial fraud, ransomware attacks, and data breaches, highlighting the vulnerabilities within its digital infrastructure.

cybercriminals now deploy AI tools, digital platforms and weak data systems to target individuals, businesses and government institutions

· Senator Afolabi SalisuDescribing the evolving tactics used by cybercriminals.

Furthermore, concerns are mounting over the opaque practices of online platforms and mobile applications that often collect user data without explicit consent or adequate security measures. Lawmakers themselves acknowledge the need to deepen their understanding of digital systems to ensure that regulatory frameworks are robust and effective. This workshop-focused approach aims to equip legislators with the necessary insights to identify critical areas for amendment in the 2023 Act. As Senator Afolabi Salisu aptly put it, data is a critical asset, and Nigeria's future prosperity may well depend more on its effective management and protection than on traditional resources like oil. This legislative push is vital for ensuring accountability and protecting digital assets in Nigeria's increasingly data-driven economy.

lawmakers must improve their understanding of digital systems to effectively regulate the sector

· Senator Afolabi SalisuHighlighting the need for legislative expertise in digital governance.
About this summary

Originally published by ThisDay in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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