Notes from Hindustan: Nigeria must implement social media regulatory bill

Reference to the recent move of the Nigerian Senate to reintroduce the bill for social media regulation, it becomes necessary for every positive-minded citizen to support this progressive attempt. In the era of fake news, misinformation and ballyhoo, the media especially online, has taken a diverted route in contributing towards the spreads of hate speech, […]

Reference to the recent move of the Nigerian Senate to reintroduce the bill for social media regulation, it becomes necessary for every positive-minded citizen to support this progressive attempt.

In the era of fake news, misinformation and ballyhoo, the media especially online, has taken a diverted route in contributing towards the spreads of hate speech, anti-national activities as well as threats to public order.

Surprisingly, virtually all developing countries can now control and regulate social media and internet usage for the prevention of fake news, hate speech, and disinformation. I see no reason why Nigeria should be left behind. In recent times, India started establishing reasons for the formulation and implementation of laws on regulating social media, and eventually the entire process of finalizing the laws will be completed by January 2020. In countries like Malaysia, Egypt and even Philippine, they have long ago passed this stage.

Until social media regulatory bill is implemented, Nigeria and Nigerians will not be free from the captivity of fake news, disinformation, vilifications as well as other unpatriotic acts that may pave way for treasonable and seditious acts.

 

Usman Bello Balarabe  [email protected]