#InternetNoBeEnemy: Nigerians ask FG, NASS to protect digital freedom

Nigerians on social media are demanding the protection of digital freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria.

Using the hashtags #KeepItOnNigeria and #InternetNoBeEnemy, have been sharing posts for the past seven days on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, they are urging the National Assembly and Federal Government to embrace “democratic solutions” over punitive legislation to combat fake news and hate speech.

The idea of “democratic solutions,” according to the non-governmental organisation leading the campaign, Centre for Liberty, were drawn from a document titled “Democratic Solutions to Fake News and Hate Speech.”

Co-convener of Centre for Liberty, Raphael Adebayo, said, “the democratic solutions document is a comprehensive collection of how democratic countries across the world are dealing with fake news and hate speech without resorting to punitive legislation as has been proposed by the Senate here in Nigeria.”

While recalling the public hearing that held in March 2020 on the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill, popularly known as the Social Media Bill, sponsored in 2019 by Senator Muhammed Sani Musa (Niger East Senatorial District), Adebayo said, “Nigerians have overwhelmingly rejected the Social Media Bill; the right thing for the senate to do is shut it down, along with the Hate Speech Bill.

“There are better ways to deal with fake news and hate speech, and that is why our organisation, with the support of Voice Nigeria, has developed the democratic solutions document.

“We believe that federal lawmakers and the Federal Government can learn from and possibly adopt the democratic strategies of other democratic countries to combat fake news and hate speech in Nigeria.

“Nigeria is a multiethnic, multicultural country, and any attempt by the government to resolve socio-political issues must, as a matter of democratic necessity, reflect the popular will,” he added.

It will also be recalled that the Social Media Bill and Hate Speech Bill are two controversial Bills before the Nigerian Senate.

While the former seeks to regulate social media by proposing up to five years imprisonment for anyone found guilty of spreading fake news or criticising the government unfairly, the latter proposes the death penalty for anyone found guilty of peddling hate speech.

Tise who tweets @Pet4luv said: “The National Assembly, Ministry of Information and Culture, and the Federal Government should consider other alternatives to combat fake news and hate speech. #InternetNoBeEnemy.”

Another Tweep, Timi Jaden (@jayjaybobo) said: “All digital platforms have rules and regulations. Individuals or organizations who breach the codes, rules, regulations or terms and conditions, often face the consequences of their actions through suspension or deregistration. #InternetNoBeEnemy.”

Adanna Asike who tweeted @countessveee in a series of tweets said: “Even though false news and propaganda abounds on the internet, it has done more good than harm. Many younger people found their livelihoods on the internet. #InternetNoBeEnemy.

“In saner climates like the UK and Turkey, the governments found an effective way to curb the abuse of social media without trampling on the rights of citizens. This is what is expected of any democratic setting.

“The Nigerian government can also replicate these models but they must find ways to oppress people.

“Castigating and condemning social media is not the practical solution to the abuse of the internet. Let’s emulate other countries please.”

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