Lai Mohammed Supports Social Media Regulation To Combat Misinformation

Lai Mohammed Supports Social Media Regulation To Combat Misinformation

Former Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, has thrown his weight behind the calls for regulating social media platforms as a means to address issues related to anti-state groups, anarchists, and other ‘harmful entities’ in Nigeria……READ ALSO BREAKING: Lai Mohammed Gets Big Appointment (DETAILS)

Speaking at the iRepresent International Documentary Festival held in Lagos as part of activities marking the 90th birthday anniversary of Nigerian Nobel Laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, Mohammed emphasized the importance of regulating social media to ensure responsible and ethical operation.

Mohammed clarified that his support for social media regulation was not aimed at stifling freedom of expression or censoring dissenting voices. Instead, he framed it as a necessary step to hold social media platforms accountable and ensure their activities contribute to the well-being of society.

Highlighting the proliferation of fake news and misinformation on social media, Mohammed underscored the detrimental impact of such content on democratic processes and national security. He urged the government to take action against social media companies that allow misleading information to circulate unchecked, emphasizing the threat posed by anti-state groups using these platforms to spread propaganda and incite unrest.

Moreover, Mohammed addressed the advancements in technology, including the use of Artificial Intelligence and deep learning techniques, which have facilitated the creation of highly realistic fake or manipulated content, such as deepfake videos and audio recordings.

He warned against the consequences of misinformation, including undermining trust in traditional media institutions, exacerbating existing fault lines, and hindering collective action. Mohammed emphasized the need for responsible behavior by social media platforms to mitigate these risks and ensure a more conducive information environment.

In conclusion, Mohammed stressed the importance of addressing the challenges posed by misinformation and fake news on social media, advocating for regulation as a means to promote ethical and responsible behavior in the digital sphere.