The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) is proposing new Internet regulations that will automatically activate parental-control settings for minors as part of a broader push to strengthen online safety for children and vulnerable users.
The provision forms part of the Commission’s Draft Internet Code of Practice (2025), which directs Internet Access Service Providers (IASPs), Digital Service Providers (DSPs), and Application Service Providers (ASPs) to include default “opt-in” parental-control mechanisms before granting service access to underage users.
According to the draft, “Internet Access Service Providers and Impacted Entities shall ensure that as part of parent control measures have a default setting of ‘opt-in’ before commencement of services to minors and vulnerable dependants.”
The provision forms part of the Commission’s Draft Internet Code of Practice (2025), which directs Internet Access Service Providers (IASPs), Digital Service Providers (DSPs), and Application Service Providers (ASPs) to include default “opt-in” parental-control mechanisms before granting service access to underage users.
Parental controls: Default protection for children
The telecoms industry regulator, NCC, says the mandatory default setting aims to make the online environment safer for Nigeria’s large population of young users, many of whom access digital content without adequate adult supervision. Under the rule, parental controls will automatically be switched on when a minor subscribes to a service, ensuring access to age-appropriate content unless a parent or guardian chooses otherwise.
The Code also requires service providers to integrate child-protection policies into their platforms and ensure that parental-control tools are easy to use, clearly explained, and accessible.
The Commission says the measure is designed to reduce children’s exposure to harmful or illegal content online.
Zero-tolerance for child-exploitation content
Beyond preventive controls, the draft introduces strict obligations for handling harmful or exploitative material involving minors. Internet and application providers will be required to act immediately once such content is detected or reported.
The draft highlights priority areas for digital-safety education for parents and guardians, including:
- Types of content online that may not be age-appropriate;
- Risks such as sexual predators, grooming, radicalisation, and terrorist recruitment, including behavioural signs to watch for;
- Risky online activities that should be discouraged.
Once notified of harmful content, service providers must block or remove it without delay and cooperate fully with the NCC and law-enforcement authorities. Failure to comply will be treated as a breach under the Commission’s Enforcement Processes Regulations (2019).
A formal complaint and takedown channel will allow the public to report harmful content directly through the Commission.
Education, awareness, and digital literacy
The draft Code extends beyond technical controls to mandate education and awareness campaigns. IASPs must support nationwide Internet-safety initiatives and collaborate with schools, parents, and community groups to promote safer digital habits among young users.
“Internet Access Service Providers,” the Code states, “ shall take reasonable steps to provide parents and guardians of minors and other vulnerable dependants using their services with information with which to educate their ward(s) on online safety.”
Providers must also offer clear information about parental-control tools in terms of service, user manuals, and online support resources.
The NCC says the framework underscores shared responsibility among regulators, service providers, parents, educators, and the wider community.
“Internet Access Service Providers,” the Code states, “ shall take reasonable steps to provide parents and guardians of minors and other vulnerable dependants using their services with information with which to educate their ward(s) on online safety.”
Compliance, reporting, and accountability
To ensure enforcement, the draft introduces periodic compliance reporting. Service providers will be required to document actions taken to implement the Code and make the records available to the NCC on request.
“The Terms and Conditions shall be published prominently on the Internet Access Service Provider,” the document adds.
Compliance reports will feed into the Commission’s wider monitoring framework covering data protection, network security, consumer rights, and privacy.
Balancing safety and digital freedom
The Commission emphasises that the draft Code preserves users’ rights to an open Internet, noting that its intention is not to limit access but to promote responsible and beneficial digital participation.
“Internet users have the right to access and distribute information and content, use and provide applications and services, and use appropriate terminal equipment of their choice,” it states.
The NCC says the new rules align with international standards on child online protection and will apply to all network operators, Internet access providers, and digital platforms operating in Nigeria.
Strengthened collaboration with security agencies
To support enforcement, the draft empowers designated “Relevant Organisations”, including national security and law-enforcement agencies, to initiate takedown requests for content that violates the Code. Such requests must be channelled through the Commission.
This coordinated structure is expected to speed up responses to child-exploitation cases and enhance inter-agency cooperation.
Public consultation and next steps
The NCC has opened the draft Internet Code of Practice for public input before it is finalised and adopted as a binding regulatory framework. Stakeholders — including operators, digital platforms, educators, parents, and consumer-rights groups — are invited to submit comments during the consultation phase.
Once adopted, the Code will replace the previous 2019 framework and serve as a comprehensive guide for Internet governance in Nigeria.
The Commission says its overarching goal is to protect consumers, promote responsible Internet usage, safeguard minors from harm, and ensure that innovation and openness remain anchored in accountability across Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
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