Bill Criminalising Hate Speech Online Passes 2nd Reading

Forum 7 years ago

Bill Criminalising Hate Speech Online Passes 2nd Reading

A bill seeking to criminalise hate speech online and the social media has passed the 2nd reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill would address publishing online content that is capable of defaming and assassinating the character and reputation of persons who have become victims of massive media onslaught.

Tagged the digital rights and freedom bill, it is intended to safeguard and protect the rights of Internet users, accord Nigerians the right to know how data collected from their participation in online systems will be used, by any organisation and protect Internet users from infringement in any form.

Sponsor of the bill, Hon. Chukwukemeka Ujam (Enugu PDP) leading the debate, noted that the bill tackles how consent must be secured for collection, use and disclosure of personal data including that of legislators. The bill would stipulate due process to be followed before access on collected personal data can be granted to governmental agencies and others, he added. Hmm!