Renowned Nollywood actor and media personality, Damilola Ogunsi, has thrown his weight behind the proposed social media regulation bill in Nigeria, citing the unchecked spread of misinformation as a growing crisis.
According to him, online platforms have become breeding grounds for false narratives, with little to no accountability for those spreading them.
In a recent public statement, Ogunsi stressed the need for Nigeria to follow the footsteps of other countries that have successfully implemented social media restrictions. He noted that while freedom of speech is essential, it should not come at the expense of truth and national stability.
“I understand that we shouldn’t muffle the voice of the people… But right now, I don’t think we can afford to let social media remain completely unregulated,” Ogunsi remarked.
Calling Out Bloggers and Fake News Spreaders
One of Ogunsi’s major concerns is the role of bloggers and influencers in spreading false and damaging information without consequence. He criticized the lack of fact-checking and ethical reporting, urging the government to introduce strict regulations to hold online content creators accountable.
“I believe there should be proper regulations to oversee how bloggers operate. This is the year to enforce those rules and stop the reckless misinformation,” he asserted.
The Controversial Social Media Bill: Regulation or Suppression?
Ogunsi’s endorsement of the Protection from Internet Falsehood and Manipulations Bill 2019 aligns with ongoing debates among Nigerian lawmakers. The proposed law seeks to criminalize the spread of false or misleading content online, a move that supporters argue will help curb fake news, cyberbullying, and defamation.
However, critics and human rights groups have strongly opposed the bill, warning that it could be weaponized to silence dissent and suppress free speech. Organizations like Human Rights Watch have cautioned that such regulations might limit Nigerians’ right to express themselves, especially in a country where social media is a powerful tool for activism and political discourse.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As conversations about the future of digital expression in Nigeria continue to unfold, Ogunsi’s stance adds a new layer to the heated debate. While his call for accountability and responsible online behavior resonates with some, others argue that government-imposed regulations could lead to censorship and stifle free speech.
Should Nigeria regulate social media to combat misinformation, or does the risk of governmental overreach outweigh the benefits? This remains a pressing question as lawmakers, activists, and the public navigate the thin line between regulation and repression in the country’s digital landscape.
