Human rights organisation, Amnesty International, has frowned at plans by the Federal Government to regulate the usage of social media and online broadcasters.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had urged the House of Representatives to incorporate the regulation of social media in the National Broadcasting Commission Act.
“I will want to add, that specifically, internet broadcasting and all online media should be included in this because we have a responsibility to monitor content— including Twitter,” the Minister said.
However, in its reaction via a tweet on Thursday, Amnesty International noted that when Social Media is regulated, authorities can arbitrarily have powers to shut down the internet and limit access to social media.
“When Social Media is Regulated, Authorities can arbitrarily have powers to shut down the internet and limit access to social media.
“Criticizing the government will be made punishable with penalties of up to three years in prison.
“Regulating social media in Nigeria could be easily abused to punish critics of government policies and actions, and anyone who asks difficult questions could find themselves liable for ‘diminishing public confidence in the government.’
“Seeking a law to prohibit abusive, threatening and insulting behaviour is open to very wide interpretation. This section would pose a threat to critical opinion, satire, public dialogue, and political commentary,” Amnesty added.
