Nigeria Eyes Digital Content Regulation on Global standards

Stakeholders in the Nigerian film industry have reminded the government of the need to apply global standards to regulate digital contents.

 

Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu reiterated the importance of standardisation of digital contents at the 3rd edition of the Digital Content Regulation Conference organised by the National Film and Video Censors Board .

 

The three days event holding in Lagos provides stakeholders with a platform to discuss how to foster collaborations and inclusivity in the digital entertainment.

 

 

The governor who spoke through the Permanent Secretary on tourism, Mrs. Toyin Atekoja said in this digital age, where content can be easily accessed and shared across borders, it is important for regulators to establish guidelines that will ensure quality, safety and ethical standards of digital media.

 

“The absence of global standards poses several challenges. Firstly, it becomes challenging to protect the intellectual property rights of our filmmakers. Without proper regulations, their work can be infringed upon, leading to financial losses and discouragement of creative talent

The absence of standards may result in the proliferation of pirated and low-quality content, which not only harms the reputation of the film industry but also affects the revenue streams of filmmakers” he said.

 

The governor also said that lack of global standards for regulating digital content raises concerns about the impact of Nigeria cultural values and societal norms.

 

 

 

“Content travels across borders, so it is important to ensure that it respects the diversity and sensitivities of different cultures. The absence of guidelines can potentially lead to the spread of content that may be offensive, inappropriate, or harmful to certain communities. Although Nigerian film industry, also known as Nollywood, has not only captivated local audiences but has also gained international recognition, stakeholders needs to work together, not only at the state or national level but also on an international scale, to solidifying its position as the second-largest film industry in the world.

The goal is to ensure sanity and promote global peace without upsetting the inherent investment opportunities and the enhancement of economic rewards for all practitioners and stakeholders” he said.

 

The chief host of the event and the Executive Director of National Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Adebayo Thomas in his welcome address said the objective of the event was primarily to discuss the growth of the film industry and evaluate concerns around global standards for regulation of digital contents in the face of advances in the development of cutting-edge technologies.

 

“The goal is to ensure sanity and promote global peace without upsetting the inherent investment opportunities and the enhancement of economic rewards for all practitioners and stakeholders” he said.

 

On self-regulatory, Mr. Adebayo Thomas said Nigerians and film makers associations needs to take the morals and values of Nigerian society very seriously.

“Every one of us should be able to identify movies that must not be watched by children.

When we say self-regulation, it means that we empower the associations to look into the film and give it classification. That does not mean they would not pay the government but it is an easier way to sensor or to classify a film. But we must first of all to discipline ourselves as individuals and as an association, so that you know that what you are classifying, is acceptable.

Self-regulatory does not also mean government cannot withdraw a film, if an association classify a film that is supposed to be rated 18 but classifies it as 13, the government has the right to withdraw it from circulation and that is a dent on the association as well”. He affirmed.

 

The high point of the event was a tribute to late Peace Anyiam-Osigwe, a Nigerian filmmaker and entertainment executive. Late Mrs Anyiam-Osigwe who was “the queen of Nollywood industry” died on the 9th of January this year.

 

The Executive Director of National Film and Video Censors Board, Mr. Adebayo Thomas said the annual event will no longer be called the Digital Content Regulation Conference but Peace Anyiam-Osigwe Digital Content Regulation Conference.

 

The event was graced by stake holders in the movie and film industry, government officials and veteran Nollywood actors and producers.

 

 

S.S