ICT expert calls for implementation of data privacy law to limit fake news

Osho, a Lecturer, Cyber Science and Security Department, Federal University of Technology, Minna, made the call in an interview with News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.

He recalled that the European Union (EU) started applying the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) on May 25, 2018 to protect privacy as a fundamental right in the online world.

The EU GDPR also seeks to enhance confidence of consumers in how the privacy of their data is guaranteed for economic growth.

The don, therefore, said that although more than 120 countries from regions of the globe have data privacy law, Nigeria also has a law under consideration, which the EU is facilitating.

He added that in ensuring that the data privacy law is working, we will need an institution with the mandate to monitor fake news.

The institution will establish guidelines on fake news, especially for online media, social media usage and the likes.

If Nigeria is able to get the data privacy law working, it will limit the frequency of fake news on social media.

Osho said that agencies of government should have clear mandate and responsibilities when it concerns fake news.

According to him, whenever there is fake news report, the Ministry of Communications should bear the responsibility to deal with the source.