Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has advocated for the regulation of social media to combat anti-state groups, anarchists, and other harmful entities in Nigeria. Speaking at the iRepresent International Documentary Festival in Lagos, Mohammed stressed the need for stricter oversight of social media platforms to prevent exploitation by those seeking to undermine the government and incite violence. He clarified that this call for regulation is not an attempt to stifle freedom of expression but rather a step towards ensuring accountability in social media operations.
Mohammed, who is also the Managing Partner of Bruit Cosaud, a policy advisory firm, emphasized that social media regulation is necessary to ensure responsible and ethical behavior by these platforms. He urged the current administration to take action against social media companies that allow misleading information to circulate unchecked. Mohammed expressed concern over the unchecked spread of fake news and hate speech on social media, which he views as a serious threat to national security.
According to Mohammed, the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media poses significant threats to democratic processes and public safety. He highlighted the role of social media in spreading false narratives and inciting public unrest, particularly by anti-state groups and secessionists. Mohammed called for decisive action to address these threats and warned of dire consequences for the country's stability if left unchecked. He also noted the challenges posed by deepfake technology, which can create highly realistic but misleading content.
Mohammed also addressed the suspension of Twitter, now known as X, by the Buhari-led administration. He explained that the decision was made to prevent the platform from being used by proscribed groups to promote anarchy and destabilize the country. Mohammed's remarks underscore the government's concerns about the misuse of social media platforms and the need for effective regulation to curb harmful activities.
