Social Media Regulation in Nigeria and the Implications on Digital Rights in a Democracy

Abstract

T his study "Social Media Regulation in Nigeria and the Implications on Digital Rights in a Democracy" examines the implications of social media regulation in Nigeria and the implications on digital rights in a democracy. The libertarian press theory forms theoretical framework for the study. It was revealed that social media regulation is an infringement on the fundamental human right of free expression, social media regulation constitutes a serious violation of Nigerian rights to freedom of expression and access to information, social media regulation also contradicts the democratic principle of individual autonomy- the idea that no-one should be subject to rules which have been imposed by others and social media regulation is a prove that Nigeria is practicing autocracy and not democracy as we have today. The study recommends that Nigerians should be allowed freedom of expression in a democratic dispensation, social media regulations should be done by reason particularly by subscribers not the government and social media regulation contradicts the cornerstone of democracy and should be suspended with immediate effect. The study concludes that social media regulation is restriction of access to digital rights which allow people to access, use, create and publish digital media, as well as access and use computers, other electronic devices and communications networks.