According to Lawrence Alabi, an online content provider, censoring social media in Nigeria may not be a bad idea.
In recent years, there has been widespread public debate about the federal government’s desire to control social media.
In February, Femi Gbajabiamila, President Bola Tinubu’s chief of staff, stated that social media has become a societal threat that requires regulation.
On the Our2Kobo Podcast, Alabi discussed how regulating social media may protect consumers from bogus news, agenda setting, and cyberbullying.
He did, however, agree that if not properly implemented, it could limit free expression.
“First of all, I think it takes away the fundamental human right of freedom of expression,” he said.
“But at the same time, it is not a bad idea. But if it guides against fake news, agenda setting, unnecessary arguments and debates, and cyberbullying and stuff.
“Actively, I filter things I see online. I can just see somebody chatting which I do not even like. Instantly, I just block the person.
“Now, it is not like I am feeling proud, but we are in a world where information is passed so much.
“So you have to consciously filter what you want to possess. Social media censorship has its pros and cons. The truth is, where we are today, certain rules will be put in place and they will be misused. That is why you would say ‘no no’.
“But in the real sense, censorship is something that is okay because we need some sort of regulations along those lines. A society without rules and regulations is a wayward society.”