Twenty representatives of different civil society organisations in Kano State have received training on digital rights.
The two-day training organised by the Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communication (APC) is aimed at enhancing their capacities in taking action against digital rights abuse.
CITAD’s Digital Rights Officer, Ali Sabo, said that as an emerging global issue, there is a need to protect people’s rights in online spaces, given that activities like mobilizations and expressing views are increasingly done online.
He explained that digital rights violations are mostly carried out by governments and security agencies, especially against journalists and opposition parties, among others.
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Sabo said there is a need to amplify the voices of the voiceless by reporting cases of online abuse and taking action.
He said the internet is a right, not a privilege, hence, there should be recognition of rights to expression, assembly, and movement online.
Sabo noted that victims of digital abuse are sometimes subjected to gender-based violence, online attacks, fake news, hate speech, and misinformation.
According to him, the training will enable participants to understand the nuances of digital rights, what it constitutes, how to identify the right issues, and be empowered to take action against violations.
He also added that the organisation is providing pro bono legal services for victims of online abuse and digital rights violations, especially those perpetrated by the state.
