Stakeholders Kick Against Anti Social Media Bill (Video)

The proposed Protection from Internet Falsehoods, Manipulations and Other Related Matter Bill 2019, otherwise known as anti social media bill has been described as an unnecessary piece of legislation by relevant stakeholders.

At the hearing in Abuja on Monday, convened by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, 80 percent of the speakers opposed protection from internet falsehoods and manipulation bill, asking the lawmakers to dispose off the controversial bill.

They expressed worries over the impact such a bill would have on media houses, journalists, and other online users who make a living off the social platforms if implemented.

But sponsor of the bill, Senator Mohammed Sani in his submission insisted the that even if the bill is dropped, he will continue to push to ensure that the social media is regulated in Nigeria.

Among those who supported the piece of legislation are the Nigerian army and the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs.

Others argued that passage of the Protection from Internet Falsehoods, Manipulations and Other Related Matters Bill 2019 gives the police limitless powers to arrest and prosecute internet offenders.

Earlier, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan who declared open the public hearing, assured that stakeholders at the public hearing were in a good position to proffer well-reasoned arguments on way forward on the Bill.

He added that the Senate’s eventual position will be partly dependent on the Committee’s report on the social media bill.

Not less than 60 Civil Society Organisations, Media Practitioners and concerned Nigerians made their reservations on the controversial anti-social media bill.

Watch The Video Below….