By MARIE-THERESE NANLONG
As Nigerians increasingly embrace the digital world for communication, education, business, entertainment and civic participation, conversations about digital rights have become more important than ever.
Unfortunately, while many people are quick to demand their rights online, fewer recognise that those rights come with responsibilities. Even more worrying is the growing trend of abusing digital platforms in ways that infringe on the rights of others.
Digital rights are simply the human rights people enjoy when using digital technologies and the internet. They are not special privileges reserved for a few but fundamental freedoms that every citizen should enjoy irrespective of age, gender, religion or social status.
Among these rights is the right to freedom of expression, which allows individuals to share opinions, exchange ideas and participate in public discussions without fear of unlawful censorship.
Equally important is the right to privacy, which protects personal information from being collected, shared or exploited without consent.
Citizens also have the right to access information, enabling them to seek and receive accurate information (including the use of the Freedom of Information Act 2011), that supports education, innovation informed decision-making, and others.
Digital rights further include the right to access the internet without discrimination, the right to security online, which protects users from cybercrime and unlawful surveillance, and the right to seek effective remedies whenever their digital rights are violated.
Sadly, despite efforts of stakeholders including Accountability Lab Nigeria to create awareness, many citizens do not know that these rights are increasingly under threat, not only from cybercriminals but also from ordinary internet users.
The abuse of digital rights takes many forms. Every day, social media users spread false information without verifying its authenticity. Some deliberately circulate manipulated images and videos to mislead the public or damage reputations.
Others engage in cyberbullying, targeting individuals with insults, intimidation and persistent harassment simply because of differing opinions.
Identity theft has become another growing concern, with criminals impersonating innocent people to commit fraud. Privacy violations are also widespread, as personal photographs, telephone numbers and confidential information are shared online without permission.
Online hate speech, discrimination, blackmail, impersonation, revenge campaigns and financial scams continue to make the digital space unsafe for many users.
These actions are not protected by the principle of freedom of expression. Freedom of expression does not give anyone the licence to spread falsehoods, threaten others, incite violence or violate another person’s dignity and privacy. Rights end where they begin to infringe upon the rights of another person.
The consequences of digital abuse extend beyond individual victims. False information can create unnecessary panic, undermine public confidence in institutions and inflame tensions within communities.
Cyberbullying has left many victims emotionally distressed, while online fraud has resulted in significant financial losses for countless Nigerians.
Every irresponsible post, forwarded message or fabricated story weakens trust in the digital environment.
Creating a safer digital space requires collective responsibility. Internet users should verify information before sharing it, recalling the slogan, #CheckBeforeYouPost, respect differing opinions, protect their personal data and communicate with civility, even during disagreements especially about the 2027 elections.
Parents and teachers should educate children on responsible online behaviour, while technology companies and public institutions should continue promoting digital safety and accountability.
Importantly, victims of digital rights violations should not remain silent. Many people suffer online harassment, identity theft, privacy breaches and cyberbullying without knowing that they have avenues for redress.
Reporting such incidents helps protect not only the individual concerned but also others who may become victims.
In Plateau State, individuals whose digital rights have been violated can report their complaints to the National Human Rights Commission office along Lamingo Road in Jos.
The Commission exists to promote and protect human rights, receive complaints and help ensure that violations are addressed through appropriate legal and administrative processes.
Seeking redress through lawful institutions is far more constructive than resorting to retaliation or remaining silent.
Digital technology has undoubtedly improved lives by expanding opportunities for learning, entrepreneurship, innovation and democratic participation. These benefits, however, can only be sustained if every user understands that digital rights come with corresponding duties.
The internet should be a space where people are free to express themselves, exchange ideas and innovate without fear of harassment, deception or exploitation.
As Nigeria continues its digital transformation, protecting digital rights must become everyone’s responsibility. Governments, institutions, technology companies, civil society organisations and individual citizens all have important roles to play.
By respecting the rights of others, rejecting online abuse and reporting violations through appropriate channels such as the National Human Rights Commission, we can build a digital environment that is safer, more inclusive and worthy of the freedoms it promises.
Digital rights are human rights. They should be exercised responsibly, and never abused.