Kano: The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD), in collaboration with the Association for Progressive Communications (APC), has trained 20 Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Kano on digital rights.
Speaking at the opening of the two-day training on Friday, Mr Ali Sabo, CITAD’s Digital Rights Officer, said the training aimed to enhance the capacity of CSOs to take action against digital rights abuse.
He noted that as an emerging global issue, there was a need to protect people’s rights in online activities through mobilisation, adding that the expression of views was increasingly done online.
“Digital rights violations are mainly carried out by governments and security agencies, especially against journalists and opposition parties, amongst others.
“There is a need to amplify the voices of the voiceless by reporting the cases and taking action,” he advocated.
Sabo noted that the use of the internet was a right, not a privilege, and added that there should be recognition of rights to expression, assembly, and movement online.
He added that victims of digital abuse often face gender-based violence, online attacks, fake news, hate speech and misinformation.
“The training would empower participants to understand the nuances of digital rights; what they constitute, how to identify the right issues and be empowered to take action against violations.
“The organisation also provides pro bono legal services for victims of online abuse and digital rights violations, especially those perpetrated by the state,” Sabo said.