Lawrence Alabi: Why I think social media should be regulated

Lawrence Alabi, the online content creator, says “it is not a bad idea” if social media is censored in Nigeria. 

In recent years, there has been a public debate over the federal government’s plan to regulate social media.

In February, Femi Gbajabiamila, chief of staff to President Bola Tinubu, said social media has become a societal menace that should be regulated.

Featuring on Our2Kobo Podcast, Alabi said regulating social media will protect users from fake news, agenda setting, and cyberbullying.

He, however, further acknowledged that it might impede the freedom of speech if not properly implemented.

“First of all, I think it takes away the fundamental human right of freedom of expression,” he said.

“But at the same time, it is not a bad idea. But if it guides against fake news, agenda setting, unnecessary arguments and debates, and cyberbullying and stuff.

“Actively, I filter things I see online. I can just see somebody chatting which I do not even like. Instantly, I just block the person.

“Now, it is not like I am feeling proud, but we are in a world where information is passed so much.

“So you have to consciously filter what you want to possess. Social media censorship has its pros and cons. The truth is, where we are today, certain rules will be put in place and they will be misused. That is why you would say ‘no no’.

“But in the real sense, censorship is something that is okay because we need some sort of regulations along those lines. A society without rules and regulations is a wayward society.”