Social Media Bill

BY ADESEYE BOLUWATIFE TEMITOPE
Mass Communication Student
Babcock  University

About two months ago, a bill that will regulate the use of social media in the country passed its second reading at the senate. The bill is titled 'Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill 2019'.


Senator Mohammed Sani Musa, who is representing Niger East Senatorial District is actively sponsoring this bill. Political leaders like Senator Elisha Abbo and Governor Dapo Abiodun are also in support of this bill. The lawmakers claim the bill is necessary for security and peace in the country. The bill seeks to punish any offender by fine or imprisonment of three years.

I am against this bill because it threatens our right of freedom of expression as citizens of this country. I strongly believe that the government wants to take control of the only platform that holds them accountable. Social media platforms are used for various reasons; to create content, to build brands, to reach large audiences, for business promotions and so on. This bill will affect businesses and the media as a whole.


A couple of notable Nigerians had something to say about this bill:
'This senator got away with assaulting a citizen of this country publicly and is now in support of Social Media Bill. I don’t blame him, I blame the law that didn’t relieve him of his office.
#SayNoToSocialMediaBill' - Adekunle Gold, a Nigerian singer and songwriter.

Categories of individuals/institutions targeted by the Social Media Bill:
- Radio/TV Stations
- Online/Print Newspapers
- Journalists
- OAPs
- Bloggers
- Website Hosts
- Internet Service Providers
- YouTube Channels
- Social Media Influencers
- YOU
#SayNoToSocialMediaBill