Fake News and Criminal Law in Nigeria: Towards A Comparative Analysis

Abstract

The advent of “new media technology” has been linked with fake news and has brought about change in society, virtually in all spheres of society be it politics, economics, or health life of the society. This new media technology linked with fake news has disrupted and placed a barrier on democracy and the right to freedom of expression. However, this study is geared towards a comparative analysis of fake news and criminal law in Nigeria, citing other countries in the international system on how they have been tackling fake news using the instrumentality of criminal law. The study is based on qualitative research with the adoption of secondary data i.e., the use of library, journals etc. The study believes that criminalization strategy is needed to fight against fake news that can cause damages to the society. Aside criminalization strategy, the study also argues that cultural and educational strategy should be taken into consideration to reduce the menace of fake news. Inoculation theory formed the study’s theoretical foundation and gives a concrete explanation on the cultural and educational strategy which is geared towards media literacy. Th study recommends that, all important shareholders such as the INEC Officials, Security Agents, Telecommunication Corporations, Journalists, Civil Defense Organizations, Liberians, and other Information Professionals and Health Practitioners, as well as the Academia, should have roles to play in addressing the menace of fake news in Nigeria and that online media should be regulated.

Keywords: FAKE NEWS, CRIMINAL LAW

DOI: 10.7176/JLPG/143-04

Publication date: October 30^th 2024