Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has emphasized the necessity of regulating social media to combat anti-state groups, anarchists, and other harmful entities in the country. Speaking at the iRepresent International Documentary Festival in Lagos, Mohammed called for stricter oversight of social media platforms to prevent them from being exploited by those seeking to undermine the government and incite violence.
While advocating for social media regulation, Mohammed clarified that the aim is not to stifle freedom of expression or censor dissenting voices. Instead, he stressed the importance of ensuring that social media platforms operate responsibly, ethically, and in a manner conducive to the well-being of society.
Mohammed urged the current administration to take action against social media companies that allow misleading information to circulate unchecked. He highlighted the threat posed by the unchecked spread of fake news and hate speech on social media, particularly in the hands of anti-state groups using these platforms to spread propaganda and incite public unrest.
The proliferation of fake news on social media, according to Mohammed, poses a serious threat to national security and could have dire consequences for the stability of the country. He noted that disinformation and misinformation on social media platforms can undermine democratic processes, sow discord within communities, and hinder collective action.
The former minister explained that the suspension of Twitter, now X, by the Buhari-led administration was a necessary step to prevent the platform from being used by proscribed groups to promote anarchy and destabilize the country.
In conclusion, Mohammed highlighted the importance of regulating social media to address the challenges posed by fake news, hate speech, and misinformation. He emphasized the need for responsible use of social media platforms to prevent them from being exploited by those with malicious intent.
Overall, Mohammed’s call for social media regulation is aimed at ensuring that these platforms are held accountable and operate in a manner that upholds the well-being of society.
