By Mustapha Salisu
The Centre for Information Technology and Development (CITAD) has organised a one-day sensitisation session on Fediverse, a decentralised and privacy-focused social networking system for students of Khalifa Isyaku Rabiu University, Kano.
The event, held on Thursday, at the Mai Deribe Lecture Theatre of the university, aimed to enlighten students about the benefits of decentralised digital platforms that promote user control, privacy, and data protection.
Speaking during the session, Yusuf Babagana from CITAD emphasized the need to safeguard digital freedom in the era of dominant social media platforms through Fediverse.
He noted that major technology companies such as Facebook, X, and Instagram continue to control the digital space, often limiting users’ ability to freely express their opinions.
According to him, this growing dominance has resulted in restrictions on users’ rights and freedom of expression. He pointed out that many people have experienced being blocked or censored for sharing their views on platforms like Facebook.
Babagana highlighted the existence of alternative platforms and technologies that allow users to share their thoughts without facing algorithmic manipulation or content restrictions.
Also, in his presentation, Mubarak Shehu Dayyab from CITAD educated participants on the challenges associated with current social media platforms, including data collection, algorithm-driven feeds, ad-funded systems, and centralized control.
He further highlighted several online safety risks students face, such as identity theft, phishing and scams, reputational damage, and cyberbullying, among others.
Mubarak, however, recommended key safety measures for students to adopt, including enabling two-factor authentication, using password managers, verifying links before clicking, and limiting the public exposure of personal information. information publicity.
PRIME TIME NEWS gathered that the sensitisation also served as part of CITAD’s ongoing efforts to build digital literacy and encourage ethical engagement among young internet users in Nigeria.
