Copyright Commission, NCC partner against online piracy

<strong>Nigerian Copyright Commission and the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) on Wednesday in Abuja reiterated its commitment to combat online piracy in the creative industry.

Director, Public Affair, Copyright Commission, Mrs Ijeoma Egbunike quoted the commission’s Director-General, Dr John Asein, as saying this during a courtesy visit to the Executive Vice-Chairman of NCC, Dr Aminu Maida.

According Asein, the two commissions renewed their commitment to inter-agency collaboration to stem online piracy and protect the nation’s creative industry from further harm.

Asein commended the leadership of NCC in driving Nigeria’s digital transformation and connectivity agenda.

He noted the Communications commission pivotal role in fostering a safe online environment for creativity to flourish in Nigeria.

He, therefore, stressed the need for deeper collaboration between the two agencies in the fight against copyright piracy to enhance the growth of the creative economy.

“Online piracy poses a significant threat and undermines the efforts of authors and investors.

“We, therefore, want to secure our online environment and guarantee Nigeria’s digital future,” he said.

Asein emphasised that the collaboration would address both international and local concerns over rising online piracy.

“The collaboration will help develop and implement appropriate regulatory measures for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and other intermediaries.

“It will also ensure compliance with the Copyright Act, 2022; and support government policies on growing the creative economy,’’ he said.

He decried the disruptive impact of online piracy on the creative economy, adding that it undermined the efforts of content creators and investors.

Asein observed that the increasing role of ISPs and intermediaries in content dissemination made it imperative to clearly define their obligations under the Copyright Act 2022.

He highlighted the Draft Copyright Enforcement Guidelines for ISPs and Intermediaries, developed by the commission and sought the support of the NCC in operationalising the document.

“Curbing the online piracy again underscores the need for ISPs and other intermediaries to be more proactive and act responsibly as part of the proposed collaboration,” he said.

The copyright commission boss recommended the establishment of an inter-agency task force to tackle online copyright piracy.

He also proposed the creation of a multi-stakeholder forum comprising ISPs, regulators and enforcement agencies to protect copyrights.

He said the effort should also involve the development of a Code of Practice for ISPs with clear obligations and accountability frameworks.

Responding, Maida commended the Copyright Commission for its effort in clamping down on illegal sites and digital platforms to address online infringements.

Maida, represented by the Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Mrs Rimini Makama, welcomed the call for deeper collaboration.

He emphasised on the need for urgent action to check online piracy in the creative industry.

Maida emphasised the need for an early signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations towards enhancing the collaboration.

He assured Asein that the NCC would review the draft Copyright Enforcement Guidelines for ISPs and Intermediaries for further action.