Social Media Bill: Senate proposes N10m fine, three years imprisonment for offenders

Social Media Bill: Senate proposes N10m fine, three years imprisonment for offenders

The Senate on Wednesday passed the Social Media into second reading as the lawmakers proposed three years imprisonment for the offenders. The bill is seeking protection from internet falsehood and manipulations. Leading debate on the bill, Senator Mohammed Sani stated that as much as the internet has numerous benefits, it is also used for the purpose of manipulating information and spreading falsehoods. He noted that state and non-state actors engaged in geopolitical interests and identity politics, use internet falsehood to discredit governments, misinform people and turn one group against another. Sani said: “The bill is a 36-clause legislative proposal. “It clearly provides for the prevention of broadcast of falsehood and manipulative content using internet and its intermediaries for transmission. “It prescribes sanctions to offenders with a view to deference. “The penalties for defaulters range from fines up to N300,000 for individuals up to N10 million for others and imprisonmen…