Censorship or Control? Who Should Regulate Social Media in Nigeria?

At a recent Training Workshop for Journalists held at the American Centre, US Consulate General Lagos, the thorny issue of social media regulation sparked lively debate among professionals.

The event held in celebration of World Radio Day, saw Mr. Steve Ayorinde, former commissioner of Tourism, Arts and Culture, advocate for private sector involvement in providing tools for the self-regulation of social media.

This viewpoint came forward in response to a pointed question from David Ajikobi, Nigeria Editor at Africa Check: “Should social media be regulated? Why?”

While Ayorinde, along with journalists from platforms like Lasgidi FM, expressed skepticism towards government regulation due to inconsistency concerns, others voiced strong support for intervention.

The opposing parties highlighted the prevalence of misinformation on social media, particularly its impact on young audiences who, according to some reporters, readily share news without proper fact-checking.

One participant even drew a clear distinction between the act of news gathering, defining journalism, and the content circulating on social media platforms. “Journalism should be separated from social media,” the reporter said. “It’s the act of gathering news that makes journalism stand out from other contents.”

The workshop highlighted the differing opinions of the wider public debate surrounding social media regulation in Nigeria. Proponents argue that unchecked platforms facilitate the spread of harmful content, while opponents raise concerns about potential censorship and stifled freedom of expression.

This issue around regulating social media is inflamed by several factors that intertwine into complexities, misinformation epidemic being at the top, particularly within political discourse.

The abundance of unverified information online, often dubbed “fake news”, can have huge and detrimental consequences. It can sway public opinion, erode trust in institutions, and even incite violence.

This is especially concerning when considering the vulnerability of young users. Many young people lack the necessary digital literacy skills to critically evaluate information they encounter online, making them prime targets for manipulation.

However, tackling this issue requires striking a delicate balance between freedom and responsibility. On one hand, unfettered access to information is important for a healthy democracy and individual expression.

On the other hand, some argue that the potential for harm necessitates some form of control. Finding the right balance between ensuring responsible online behavior and safeguarding free speech remains an essential challenge.

Further complicating matters is the question of who should be responsible for this regulation. Should the government take the reins, potentially raising concerns about censorship and stifled voices?

Or should the onus fall on private entities like social media platforms, raising questions about their accountability and potential biases? Determining the most effective and ethical approach to regulation, if any, remains a point of contention.

Ultimately, finding solutions to these complex issues requires ongoing dialogue and nuanced approaches. Technology continues to change rapidly, and the influence of social media expands constantly.

Looking into its potential for both harm and benefit necessitates open discussions, careful consideration of all sides, and the development of solutions that prioritize both individual rights and societal well-being.