Digital Authoritarianism in Postcolonial Nigeria: Internet Control Techniques and Censorship

Abstract

This research paper on “Digital Authoritarianism in Nigeria: Internet Control Techniques and Censorship” focuses on the suppression of online journalism in the country. Specifically, it examines the measures used by the state to muzzle or censor online journalism and their implications on press freedom enshrined in Section 39 of the 1999 Constitution as Amended. The study established that digital authoritarianism is an offshoot of the authoritarian theory of Mass Communication whereby the State uses the instruments of power at its disposal to seek to control or curb information dissemination in the digital space, usually with the excuse of protecting national interests, security, or sovereignty. Qualitative data from reviewed literature and in-depth interview with 37 media professionals, some of whom are members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers, GOCOP, an umbrella body of online journalists, provided the bases for the conclusions drawn. These conclusions support the views of other researchers that restriction of online digital rights has worsened globally, and in the case of Nigeria, since the advent of Cybercrime Act of 2015. The study examined how digital authoritarianism affected online journalism in Nigeria and concluded that some online journalists do not understand what digital authoritarianism is all about—the legislation and other means through which Nigerian government breaches digital rights in the country. The study, therefore, recommends capacity building and awareness creation to sensitize online journalists about media regulations including the Cybercrime Act, which restrict or suppress media freedom and how they can be protected.