Policy Paper
Freedom of Misinformation: Balancing Fundamental Freedoms whilst curbing Misinformation in Nigeria
Author:
Jonathan Odumeru
London school of Economics and Political Science, GB
About Jonathan
Master of Public Policy, Class of 2022,
The London School of Economics and Political Science
Abstract
This policy brief reviews the fraught relationship
between the protection of Freedom of Expression
(‘FOE’) online and curtailing the rapid growth and
dissemination of misinformation, in the Nigerian socio-
political context. This brief provides an overview of recent
Nigerian government executive and legislative actions,
whose stated objectives are to curtail misinformation,
but whose impacts comprise impairments to FOE.
The justifiability of these government interventions is
analyzed in light of relevant social, legal, economic,
and efficacy considerations. This paper advocate that
strategic amendments to the Digital Rights and Freedom
Bill (‘DRFB’), which is currently before Nigeria’s National
Assembly can aid Nigeria in balancing the competing
interests of protecting FOE and limiting disinformation.
The feasibility of these recommendations is enhanced by
the current political salience of online freedoms in Nigeria,
and the fact that Nigeria’s two major political parties are
currently engaged in their respective leadership contests,
in advance of the February 2023 general elections.
How to Cite:
Odumeru, J., 2022. Freedom of Misinformation: Balancing Fundamental Freedoms whilst curbing Misinformation in Nigeria. The Public Sphere: Journal of Public Policy, 10(1).
Published on
20 Apr 2022.
Peer Reviewed
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