Copyright Commission Suspends Multiple ‘.NG’ Domains Over Online Piracy

The Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) has suspended several .ng domain names allegedly involved in the large-scale, unauthorised distribution of copyrighted sound recordings and other creative works.

Director-General of the NCC, Dr. John Asein, disclosed this in a statement issued in Abuja on Thursday by the Commission’s Director of Public Affairs, Mrs. Ijeoma Egbunike.

Asein said the enforcement action followed a formal request by the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) and was carried out in collaboration with the Nigerian Internet Registration Association (NiRA).

According to him, the suspended domains — taken offline through their respective registrars — include: val9ja.com.ng, tunesloaded.com.ng, votoxnaija.com.ng, music.360media.com.ng, medianub.com.ng, naijalevels.com.ng and mp3juice.com.ng.

“The Commission’s Special Taskforce Against Online Piracy (STOP) confirmed that the websites were engaging in blatant copyright infringement by illegally sharing unlicensed music and audiovisual works belonging to Nigerian and foreign rights holders,” Asein said.

He added that the activities of the affected platforms undermined legitimate digital distribution channels and deprived creators and investors of due revenue.

Asein noted that the intervention formed part of the NCC’s ongoing enforcement programme under the Copyright Act 2022, which empowers the Commission to safeguard creators’ rights and curb all forms of online piracy across websites, streaming platforms and other digital channels.

He said the NCC worked closely with NiRA throughout the process and continues to engage domain registrars to ensure prompt suspension of any .ng domain found to be in breach of copyright law.

“The Commission remains committed to ensuring a safe, lawful and thriving digital environment for Nigeria’s creative economy,” he said.

Reaffirming the Commission’s resolve to intensify online enforcement, Asein stressed that the suspensions send a strong signal that Nigeria will not tolerate digital piracy.

He thanked NiRA and the concerned registrars for their cooperation and assured rights holders that the NCC, in collaboration with national and international partners, would continue to strengthen its anti-piracy efforts.

Asein also appealed to the public to report suspicious platforms or online activities through stop.copyright.gov.ng.

“The Nigerian Copyright Commission remains vigilant and fully prepared to take decisive action against all forms of copyright infringement to safeguard Nigeria’s creative space and its digital future,” he added. (NAN)