Amnesty International has sounded the alarm regarding the potential consequences of proposed social media regulation in Nigeria, cautioning that individuals critical of the government could face up to three years in prison.
The human rights organization strongly criticized the recent efforts by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government to regulate social media, expressing deep concerns over the implications of such measures on freedom of expression.
Taking to Twitter on Saturday, Amnesty International outlined the far-reaching implications of the proposed regulations, highlighting the broad and vague interpretations that could lead to harsh punishments for mere expressions of dissent.
The organization warned that under the proposed legislation, individuals would be penalized for exercising their right to free speech, with the government wielding the power to arbitrarily shut down the internet and limit access to social media platforms.
Expressing criticism of the government, according to Amnesty International, could result in severe repercussions, including imprisonment for up to three years.
“The social media regulation law keenly pushed by Nigerian politicians is set to be subject to vague and broad interpretations and will impose incredibly harsh punishments simply for criticising the authorities,” Amnesty International tweeted.
“The government can arbitrarily shut down the internet and limit access to social media. Criticising the government will be punishable with penalties of up to three years in prison.”
Amnesty International’s warning comes amidst recent calls for social media regulation by Femi Gbajabiamila, Chief of Staff to President Tinubu, who has labeled social media as a “societal menace.”
“Social media has become a societal menace and must be regulated. As many people do not understand, once the send button is hit, there is a potential to reach millions of people around the world, which is capable of causing great danger not just in society but even unintended consequences to the individuals who are receiving information, which may include security of life,” Gbajabiamila stated.
