Download This PaperSocial Media and National Security in Nigerian State
American Based Research Journal, Vol. 8 Issue 03, March 2019
4 Pages Posted: 20 May 2020
Date Written: March 01, 2019
Abstract
This study examined the nexus between social media and national security in Nigeria. This study sourced information from the secondary data. Social media are referred to as interactive (web 2.0) internet-based applications where users can generate content(s) and share which is a welcome development as against the traditional media. But unfortunately, when social media sites are not properly checkmated by forensic computer analysts/regulatory agencies, it can be catastrophic or threat to the national security of a country. From the study, the following findings were observed: It was discovered that the Nigerian Communications Act (2003) is not very effective as regards regulating the social media most especially in the area of content sharing. It was also discovered that in Nigeria, there is poor enforcement of the Freedom of Information Act and Nigerian Communications Commission low technological base via the provision of a gateway to control the information space as it obtains in China and other developed countries of the world. As a result of the above findings, the following recommendations were made: The Nigeria Government should ensure that her Nigerian Communications Act (NCA) 2003 is strengthened enough to contain security challenges in Nigeria. The federal government should ensure that freedom of information act is fully implemented by the government institutions to avoid creating room for generation of fake news/fake content and that the technological bases of regulatory agencies like NCC are sufficiently provided for to be able to work effectively.
Keywords: Social Media, National, Security, State, Nigeria
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