Extent of the Latitudes and Limits of the Social Media, and Freedom of Expression within the Confines of Law in Nigeria

Abstract

Generally speaking, an egalitarian society flourishes on free speech. A speech is considered free when expressed without any form of restraint or threat whether physical or psychological. Modern trends in communication emanating from globalization has eroded territorial barriers that hitherto existed in disseminating information. In fact, by a click of a mouse, a simple message is received by a limitless audience. This form of advancement in technology in the are of the dissemination of information is facilitated by the Internet, which surpasses the traditional means of communication such as the television, radio, post office, and the print media. More particularly the modern social media that exist in the form of Facebook, Linkedln, Twitter, WhatsApp, Badoo, Instagram, u-tube etcetera, permits users to disseminate information effortlessly at their comfort zones. This paper juxtaposes the intersection between social media, the law and freedom of expression by exploring the extent of their latitudes and limits, within the law. The paper xrays what constitutes freedom of expression in the online world within the ambit of the relevant provision of the Nigerian law. In addition, the paper investigates the extent and limits of the social media in promoting freedom of expression in Nigeria.

Keywords: social media, freedom of expression, Nigerian law

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/83-20