SERAP urges Nigeria's National Assembly to withdraw social media office bill

Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called on Nigeria's National Assembly to withdraw a proposed bill that would mandate social media platforms to establish physical offices within the country. The bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko, recently passed its second reading in the Senate.

It has since been referred to the Senate Committee on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and Cyber Security for additional legislative work and a public hearing. SERAP contends that such a requirement could pose significant challenges for social media companies and potentially lead to the suppression of free speech and the restriction of access to information for Nigerians.

The organization's stance emphasizes concerns about the potential impact on digital rights and the open exchange of ideas online. SERAP is advocating for a legislative approach that balances regulatory oversight with the protection of fundamental freedoms in the digital space.