The Digest:
Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has renewed his call for the regulation of social media platforms, warning that unregulated platforms "can do more harm than good." Speaking at the launch of his book 'Media Moments That Define An Administration' at Roving Heights, Abuja, Mohammed likened regulation to safety mechanisms in automobiles, necessary brakes alongside speed. He cited cyberbullying leading to suicides, fake news breaking homes, and the shrinking attention span of citizens who "run away with headlines" without verifying facts. Mohammed referenced Australia's age-restriction laws as an example of emerging global regulation trends. He emphasised the need for registration, a code of conduct, and oversight, insisting the goal is public well-being, not censorship.
Key Points:
- Regulation could reduce harmful content but risks government overreach and suppression of dissent.
- It would impose compliance costs on platforms and users, potentially limiting freedom of expression.
- Vulnerable individuals gain protection, while journalists and activists face potential restrictions.
- This signals growing global momentum toward platform accountability amid concerns about AI and misinformation.
- The timing, following Australia's age-restriction laws, reflects alignment with emerging regulatory trends.
Mohammed's renewed push reignites debate on balancing free expression with protecting citizens from online harms in an AI-driven information age.
Sources: The Cable, Roving Heights Book Launch
