Chioma Nwaodike is a seasoned lawyer and tech policy expert who has been making waves with her extensive work on Privacy, Artificial Intelligence (AI) ethics, and bridging attention to the digital divide, particularly in underrepresented communities.

Currently, in a new role as a Legal Tech Policy Advisor at the United Nations International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Nwaodike will be contributing to the global dialogue on technology policy and governance.

Nwaodike work spans several continents, with a focus on ensuring that emerging technologies are developed and deployed in ways that are ethical, equitable, and aligned with human rights principles.
[ad]
Championing Digital Rights and Privacy
Nwaodike’s career in digital rights advocacy began with Media Rights Agenda (MRA), a leading non-governmental organisation (NGO) dedicated to promoting freedom of expression, access to information, digital rights and others. During her eight years with the organisation, she served as Head of the Legal Department, where she led a network of over 70 lawyers who provided pro-bono legal assistance in cases of digital rights violations.

Under her leadership and guidance, the team successfully challenged numerous privacy breaches and unlawful surveillance activities, contributing to a broader movement for digital rights protection in Nigeria and beyond.

She collaborated with Solomon Okedara & Co to conduct a comprehensive Human Rights Impact Assessment (HRIA) for Nigeria’s Digital Identity project, a $430 million initiative aimed at implementing a national e-ID system. Her work was pivotal in aligning the project with international data protection standards, emphasizing the need for robust privacy protections and transparent data governance. This project remains the single largest consulting endeavour on data protection in Nigeria, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s digital rights landscape.

Bridging digital divide through technology policy
Her commitment to equitable technology is further demonstrated by her work at Internews, where she served as a Social Media Researcher Consultant and Internet Policy Fellow. During her time at Internews, she authored several influential pieces, including “Privacy and Welfare Surveillance Among Vulnerable Communities’ and ‘The AI Digital Divide – An African Perspective.’

In ‘Privacy and Welfare Surveillance Among Vulnerable Communities,’ Nwaodike examined the disproportionate impact of surveillance on low-income communities, calling for inclusive digital rights policies and robust data protection practices. Her insights into the ethical implications of technology use were later cited in academic discussions on techno-economic governance, featuring her influence in shaping international technology policy discourse.

Her piece, “The AI Digital Divide – An African Perspective,” provided a critical analysis of the challenges facing African countries in adopting AI technologies. Nwaodike argued for the development of inclusive AI policies that prioritize human rights and support local languages and content, highlighting the need for collaborative efforts to bridge the digital divide across the continent. This work has been instrumental in sparking conversations about digital equity and the role of public policy in promoting inclusive technological advancement.

In addition, Nwaodike co-authored the report “Fighting Violence Against Women Online: A Comparative Analysis of Legal Frameworks in Ethiopia, Kenya, Senegal, South Africa, and Uganda,” in collaboration with Internews and Pollicy. This publication, recognized for its comprehensive analysis, has been cited by prominent organizations such as the Center for International Governance Innovation and the International Center for Not-for-Profit Law, showing its impact and relevance in the field of digital rights and gender-based violence. The report’s references further establishing Nwaodike’s authority and influence in technology policy.
[ad]
Her contributions have also extended to platforms like GenderIT.org, where she has shared insights on gender and internet governance, advocating for inclusive and feminist perspectives in digital policy debates. This diverse portfolio of work reflects Nwaodike’s dedication to advancing policies that support equitable access to technology and protect vulnerable communities in the digital age.

A Vision for the Future of Technology Policy
Looking ahead, Nwaodike’s new role at ITU promises to further amplify her impact on the global stage a s a Legal Tech Policy Advisor, she will be instrumental in drafting and analyzing international technology policy frameworks and digital data protection and privacy, reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity measures across member states. Her appointment to this role is a testament to her expertise and dedication to advancing technology policies that safeguard human rights and promote social equity.

Chioma Nwaodike’s contributions to the fields of technology policy and digital rights advocacy demonstrate a commitment to ethical, inclusive, and forward-thinking approaches to governance in the digital age. Her work continues to inspire and influence, setting a high standard for the responsible development and use of technology worldwide.
[ad]