The Digest:
Senator Ned Nwoko has intensified his campaign for the passage of the Social Media Regulation Bill following a viral TikTok video that falsely accused him of plotting to kill his estranged wife, Regina Daniels. The lawmaker argues the incident underscores the weaponization of defamation online and the need for accountability.
Key Points:
- Senator Ned Nwoko cited a viral TikTok hoax alleging he paid to kill Regina Daniels as justification for the Social Media Regulation Bill.
- The content creator later retracted the claim, stating it was fabricated for engagement.
- Nwoko asserts that serious allegations are commonly leveraged for views without regard for harm.
- He argues that the absence of consequences online encourages deviant and criminal behavior.
- The proposed bill would mandate social media companies to establish offices in Nigeria.
- It aims to hold platforms liable for defamatory content, similar to local media laws.
- Nwoko claims the legislation would also aid job creation, data localization, and tax collection.
Sources: The Cable, Vanguard
