Block Pornographic Websites, Lawmakers Direct NCC
The House of Representatives has urged the Nigeria Communications Commission (NCC) to direct Internet Service Providers (ISPs) to block websites hosting obscene and pornographic content.
The lawmakers also called on NCC to apply the full rigours of the Nigerian Communications Act and the National Information Technology Development Act against defaulting Internet Service Providers (ISPs).
These resolutions are sequel to the adoption of a motion titled “Need to Block Internet Websites Hosting Pornographic Content and Sanction Defaulting Internet Service Providers (ISPs),” moved by Dalhatu Tafoki.
Moving the motion, the lawmaker stated ” that cyber pornography is fast becoming a global problem and no concrete steps have been taken to curb the phenomenon of cyber pornography in Nigeria.”
“All the major religions in the country have forbidden nudity and obscenity in any form.”
Tafoki added that countries across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East have enacted legislations that ban pornography in their domains.
“Also, aware that renowned psychologists and sociologists around the world have issued stern warnings on the psychological, sociological, and mental consequences of viewing pornographic content.”
Expressing concern, he enumerated the immediate effects of viewing pornographic content include causing deception in marriage, which may later affect family life,
(promoting adultery, prostitution, and many unrealistic expectations that can result in dangerous promiscuous behaviour, leading to addiction, escalation, desensitisation, and acting out sexually by one person; change of attitude towards oneself and one’s family.
The House therefore mandated the Committees on Communications and Legislative Compliance to ensure implementation and report within four (4) weeks for further legislative action.
