Evaluation Of The Effect Of Twitter Ban On Information Dissemination In Nigeria

Evaluation Of The Effect Of Twitter Ban On Information Dissemination In Nigeria

Chapiter 1

Introduction

the study’s history

The phrase “social media” is frequently used to describe emerging types of media that encourage interactive engagement. The broadcast age and the interactive age are two eras that have often been used to categorize the growth of media. During the broadcast era, media distribution was nearly entirely centralized, with many people receiving information from a single organization like a radio station, television station, newspaper publisher, or film studio. Feedback to media outlets was frequently impersonal, indirect, and delayed. Mediation was used to facilitate contact between people on a much smaller scale, mainly through personal letters, phone calls, or occasionally on a somewhat larger scale using tools like photocopied family newsletters. A new media period when interactivity was put at the heart of new media functions was born as a result of the advent of digital and mobile technology, which made large-scale engagement easier for people than ever before. A single person could now address a large audience and receive immediate feedback. Citizens and customers could now convey their ideas to a large audience when they previously had a small and somewhat muted voice. Additionally, there are now more options for media consumption than ever before thanks to new technology’s low cost and accessibility. Instead of only having access to a few news outlets, people can now find information from a variety of sources and engage in discussion about it on message boards. Social media is at the center of this continuing change. Here, the characteristics, typical configurations, and typical uses of social media are examined.

Principal Qualities

All social media, whether mobile or fixed, use some sort of digital platform. But not every aspect of the digital world is social media. Social media is defined by two common traits. First, engagement in social media is possible in various ways. Even though social networking sites like Facebook occasionally permit passive observation of what others publish, social media are never totally passive. Typically, a profile that allows for the beginning of the potential for interaction must be constructed as a bare minimum. Social media differs from traditional media, where personal accounts are uncommon, due to this characteristic alone. Second,

Social media also include interaction due to their participatory character. This interaction may be with long-standing friends, relatives, or acquaintances as well as with brand-new acquaintances who have mutual interests or even a common acquaintance circle. While many social media platforms were or are still viewed as unique at first, as they are increasingly incorporated into personal and professional lives, they are becoming less noticeable and more anticipated.

Typical Forms

This summary of popular social media platforms shows that while some are used primarily for leisure or personal relationships and others for work or professional purposes, most give room for both.

Email.

training. Open records laws permit interested parties or organizations to request any emails sent or received to a government funded email account or an email account used to conduct government business. These laws frequently apply to people who work for public organizations, including politicians, professors at state universities, administrators, and assistants for government offices. Even before the internet existed, some groups could communicate communications electronically across a small network of computers, according to p. 1159. Sending messages across several servers became possible as the Internet gained popularity. Email serves as

A quick and extremely dependable means to communicate files or photographs, updates or crucial information at a moment’s notice, or to distribute a single piece of information to many people. Spam, or unsolicited email that typically comes from commercial sources, is a problem that many people encounter. Computer viruses that use email programs to collect all of the email addresses in a user’s contact book frequently make spam worse. The list of email addresses that a person stores in their address book allows them to send emails to one or many recipients quickly. To send correspondence to the people to whom it is most pertinent, people frequently categorize their address book into different types of friends, coworkers, or family members.

Texters.

A texter is a two-way communication tool, similar to email, that enables people to send messages to one or more persons fast. Notwithstanding media

Although representations frequently give the impression that texting is a particularly youthful activity, texting is now common among all age groups. However, younger people tend to text more frequently and do it more quickly. With the development of texting technology, sharing links and photographs with people via text messages has become simpler. Texters frequently utilize emoticons, which are keyboard symbols that can be used to create images such as a smiling face (for example, :-P), a habit that is also popular with email. Texters are descended from chatters, which are computer applications that use the internet to let users communicate fast using text characters. Texting while driving and sexting are two texting activities that have caused issues, despite the fact that it is frequently quite convenient and offers numerous benefits. According to estimates, texting while driving increases the likelihood of a collision by about 23%. Sexting is mainly destructive when young people exchange photographs that the recipient then circulates to other people. It has occasionally been alleged that sending images of people under the age of 18 constitutes child pornography. Politicians who sent sexually explicit communications to others, including interns, have come under fire. Despite these negative potentials, many individuals claim that when they are apart from their relationships, sexting is a fulfilling substitute for sexual activity.

Blogs.

Weblog is the ancestor of the word blog. A website that features a blog is

Through the internet, an individual or group can communicate information or ideas to a broad audience. Starting a blog and then not posting to it again is not uncommon. Some of the most popular blogs are updated frequently so their readers know when to look for fresh posts. Blogs discuss a wide range of subjects, including many political issues. A typical component of blogs is a discussion board where readers can engage with both the blog author and other commenters after reading an entry. To keep readers interested in their news or entertainment services, many traditional media outlets have adapted blog-like features online. For instance, readers frequently get the chance to remark or share their thoughts about a recent event at the conclusion of newspaper articles. These news items, particularly those that deal with contentious or polarizing political subjects, often spark heated discussions. It is usual for a user to be asked to register in order to engage due to the contentious nature many blogs and news sites find. p. 1160

Discussion forums.

Fans of television shows and other popular entertainment frequently visit message boards where users can post messages that discuss a specific topic. Message boards are also well-liked by those looking for advice or social support, whether they be injured soldiers trying to understand life after war or a woman with breast cancer who wants to speak to someone who has been there. Through review websites like Yelp that let customers rate establishments like restaurants, advice is also provided.

places of connections.

Another kind of social media is online dating. Users visit online dating services, some of which provide free membership while others require payment, and set up an account.

a profile outlining who they are and what they are looking for in a partner. Research demonstrates that people are generally honest, despite some people’s skepticism about how honest some people are regarding the facts posted in an online profile. As more people utilize online dating services to find romantic companions, the stigma associated with them has continued to fade. Others may use connection sites for purposes other than dating, such as locating friends or activity partners. For instance, users can find political groups, reading clubs, or hobby groups on the social networking site Meet Up. Users can create a profile and even send messages to group leaders to meet up and learn more about the activity or determine whether they would fit in well with the group.

social media platforms.

Social networking websites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, and others are practically omnipresent in modern culture. Even those who decide not to sign up for an account and participate online will frequently learn about information obtained from such social platforms from other people. The user list that one connects with on a social networking site is a crucial differentiator, typically based on friendship, family, work, or even weak tie relationships. Although it is still possible, many social networking sites now restrict users from adding connections they do not know. Initially, social networking sites were fantastic places to meet new people. The public nature of material shared on social networking sites frequently provides a platform for the expression of social or political ideas, although research indicates

A large portion of this political activity serves to confirm pre-existing convictions, especially given that people frequently make online connections with people who share their views.

Social media serve a variety of purposes, as seen by the numerous categories. They first enable identity work for individuals. The act of putting one’s identity into a profile necessitates some form of introspection. People start to view themselves differently as they observe responses to their online social presence, and they start to realize that, for better or worse, online engagement makes them feel more comfortable sharing their thoughts, ideas, and enquiries. Second, social media gives users the opportunity to take care of their relationships in many ways. Despite the fact that social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter are sometimes vilified in popular discourse as being shallow and egotistical

They enable interaction amongst people who might not otherwise be able to connect to an outlet. People claim to have met some of their closest friends and even their marriages using online communication tools. Third, social media enables users to carry out professional tasks. Sometimes the social media is their job, like in the case of a well-known blog or a person hired to promote an event who has a sizable social network circle. Sometimes people converse with coworkers. They handle the majority of their business contact via social media platforms or, particularly, email. Fourth, social media enables users to exchange ideas or seek for information. This information can cover a variety of topics, including local problems, political campaigns, disaster relief, and where to find plus size items. Fifth, and frequently related to information sharing, social media allows users to express their ideas or take into account those of others. And last, people can discover entertainment on these websites.

Technological innovations and quick progress have transformed communication and information transmission. The storage and transmission of information have undergone significant change as a result of technological advancement. According to Chapman and Slaymaker (2002), the industrial society has advanced into an era of advanced technical advancements, which has an impact on how individuals live their lives and how businesses do their regular commercial operations. More than ever before, technology is influencing people’s daily lives. It is employed in every aspect of life, including energy production, industry, banking, healthcare, education, agriculture, and transportation (Boutin, 2013). The expanding usage of the internet and mobile technology is at the core of all technical advancements (Dickey, 2013; Reference.com, 2017; Okiy, 2010). ICTs have become so ingrained in our daily lives that the term “internet of things” (IoT) is beginning to take shape. A network of connected devices, items, or things is referred to as the “internet of things” when they can communicate and share data via embedded sensors and the internet (Meola, 2016; Morgan, 2014). A person with a heart monitor implant, a farm animal with a biochip transponder, an automobile with built-in sensors to warn the driver when tire pressure is low, or any other natural or artificial object that can be given an IP address and given the ability to transfer data over a network are all examples of things that can be included in the Internet of Things, according to Rouse (2016, para. 2). This demonstrates how quickly technology is altering our everyday routines, interpersonal relationships, and interactions with the natural world. Information societies are no longer distinct in the modern world. According to Nwagwu (2006), Okiy (2010), and West & Heath (2011), the concept of globalization has been hastened by mobile phones, fax machines, the internet, and other ICT services. Through the use of technology, people, businesses, and governmental institutions can collaborate on projects and share ideas across continents. Due to their failure to capitalize on continual technical advancements, poor nations are regrettably at a constant disadvantage in a globalizing world (Chapman & Slaymaker, 2002; Rodriguez & Wilson, n.d.). Nwagwu (2006; 179) agrees that “the impact of ICTs in developing countries generally can be considered inegalitarian because their benefits accrue more to the rich than the poor developing countries, thus defining a new form of digital divide”. Although the rate of technological development and adoption in developing countries cannot be compared to the rate of technological developments in developed countries, literature shows that developing countries are also facing an information explosion and relatively high numbers of information seekers. As a result, it is crucial that developing countries understand how to bridge the digital divide and be able to use ICTs to benefit all levels of society (Greenberg, 2006). ICTs have altered African nations including Cameroon, Chad, and Mali since the 1980s, according to Bruijn (2009). Other studies (Bhuasiri, Xaymoungkhoun, Zo, Rho, & Ciganek (2012); Kozma & Vota (2014)) show that developing nations have established ICT policies, egovernment initiatives, and are investing significantly in a variety of technical advancements. ICTs may be able to assist developing nations in addressing a variety of difficulties, including social, economic, and health-related issues. This is feasible if the public and the government have immediate access to information that can affect decision-making. Adopting information communication technology that will allow them to distribute information efficiently and quickly is crucial for information providers. According to Andrianaivo and Kpodar (2011) and Delponte et al. (2015), efficient and effective information distribution by information repositories and access by information users may aid developing nations in their efforts to eradicate extreme poverty and combat catastrophic diseases.

Technology’s inception and ongoing ICT improvements are changing how information is acquired, stored, organized, maintained, and how services are provided (Fagbola, Uzoigwe, and Ajegbomogun, 2011). The means used to spread information in the twenty-first century include the ones listed below. The majority of these strategies use technology, including laptops, smartphones, PDAs, MP3 players, PCs, and a variety of other devices. Networked databases and online public access catalogs: Because catalogs are available online, users can retrieve and access information resources more quickly. Access to the current OPACs is possible via mobile devices such cell phones.

Statement of the research question

The suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria by the Nigerian federal government may have put both of them in a difficult situation because they have lost the millions of followers they had accumulated over the course of more than five years. The controversy has cost Twitter billions of dollars, while Nigerians in the private and public sectors have lost their means of instant communication. The suspension of Twitter was announced last week by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, after the company removed portions of President Muhammadu Buhari’s tweet that it found to be in violation of its rules. Following scathing criticism of the suspension from social activists who claimed it violated Nigerians’ right to free expression as guaranteed by Section 39 (1) of the amended Constitution, Muhammed added a second justification for the action, claiming the temporary ban on the internet platform was a response to the company’s persistent violation of the nation’s national security interests. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) issued a directive in response to the suspension order directing all telecommunications companies and broadcast media to deactivate their Twitter accounts and restrict access to the internet service. However, many Nigerians have found ways around the federal government’s ban on the microblogging platform by connecting to Twitter over a virtual private network (VPN). Although THISDAY’s investigations revealed that Buhari, his running mate Prof. Yemi Osinbajo (SAN), and many government organizations, including the military and MDAs, have banned tweeting, some governors, including Malam Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, and Mr. Seyi Makinde of Oyo, have defied the order. Analysts stated on Monday that given the suspension’s unfavorable effects, both Twitter and the federal government must be feeling its rough edges. It equates to the loss of an instant communication tool that had served to expedite the distribution and receipt of information important for the conduct of their enterprises for the Nigerian government, its agencies, and millions of private sector users of the micro-blogging site. Organizations like the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), which had relied on its Twitter account to instantly inform the public about the COVID-19 pandemic, would now have to use slower messaging services like email, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, had issued a warning that anybody who disobeyed the ban would face legal repercussions the day after Mohammed ordered the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria. Senior attorneys, however, have questioned the legitimacy of Malami’s order, claiming that it lacks legal support and that Nigerians cannot be prosecuted for offenses that are not specifically included by the law. The federal government met with the ambassadors of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, the European Union, and Ireland in Nigeria on Monday to seek their understanding regarding the suspension of Twitter’s operations in Nigeria. This was done in an effort to quell the outrage that the suspension of Twitter had caused around the world. Buhari, Osinbajo, and some other prominent government figures, with the exception of the First Lady, Hajia Aisha Buhari, who canceled her Twitter handle after Twitter’s operations were suspended in the nation, kept their accounts even though they were inactive. On whether Nigerians should deactivate their accounts, the federal government’s order stopping Twitter’s activities in Nigeria was mute. The National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), however, ordered all radio and television stations in the nation to remove their Twitter accounts on Monday. However, investigations reveal that government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies’ (MDAs) Twitter accounts are also being kept. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and Chief Geoffrey Onyema, the minister of foreign affairs, are some of the entities whose accounts are being kept. Among many others, there are the Nigerian Police, the Nigerian Center for Disease Control (NCDC), the Super Eagles, the country’s national football team’s official Twitter account, and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF). While the majority of these accounts are dormant, this cannot be said of their assistants who have used their Virtual Private Network (VPN) to tweet outside of the networks. Also active are Twitter accounts of former Senators Shehu Sani and Dino Melaye, as well as el-Rufai who tweeted the link of a story on “Nigeria: African country teaches US lesson in how to handle Big Tech tyranny RT Op-ed.” While Akeredolu’s last tweet, on the attack on Igangan community in Oyo State was at 7.11 pm on Sunday, Makinde, at 9.45 am, on Sunday, tweeted to urge for calm over the attack on Igangan. Both Deeper Life Bible Church and Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) are still active on Twitter, with both churches citing the need to reach members in other nations as the reason for their activity. The Redeemed Christian Church of God is headquartered in more than 170 countries and territories, the RCCG clarified. Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression, which includes the freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers, according to Article 19 of the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Additionally, Deeper Life General Overseer Pastor Williams Kumuyi requested that people refrain from using Twitter in Nigeria due to the ban. However, it included guidelines for lifting the suspension. The governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, urged for a prompt resolution to the conflict on Monday as well. After meeting with the five mission representatives in Abuja, the minister of foreign affairs, Onyeama, spoke at a news conference to discuss the concerns surrounding Twitter’s ban and to elaborate on the missions’ previous joint press release. We had a fruitful conversation with the nations that are regarded as Nigeria’s closest allies and partners, he said. Onyeama said they presented first-hand information about the security challenges of the country as well as the role of the social media. “We sat down and reviewed the whole situation and we stated the security concern of Mr. President and the entire Nigerians and the very strong steps we’ve taken to address the security challenges of the country,” she said. He claimed that while social media is useful for spreading knowledge, there are also good and harmful uses for it. The negative aspects, he continued, have terrible effects on both human life and property. According to him, maintaining national unity is important, and in order to do all of this, a decision must be made and steps must be done to ensure that social media platforms are used appropriately. He added that as a democracy, it was expected that fundamental human rights, including the right to free expression, would be upheld. He added that this should not be allowed to destabilize the nation. He claimed that despite its security and development issues, Nigeria had received support from the five missions and their respective nations. We have been working in partnership and unity with the five nations, he said. We can consider these nations to be our partners because of their steadfast support during our security issues, humanitarian crises, development challenges, and economic challenges. As we continue to face all of these difficulties, we are requesting their assistance as well. “We have listened to them, and they have opinions on all of these matters as well. We have given them the chance to share those opinions as well. “We are especially pleased with the declaration and pledge of friendship and support for Nigeria. We must keep an eye on the major goal of this administration; security was Mr. President’s top priority when he ran for office and is something he sincerely hopes to be able to provide for Nigeria. It will be a vicious cycle without security since everything else fails, investments leave the nation, and regular migration leaves. “Our children and future generations will all suffer, and we will all be losers. The destiny of this nation will largely depend on what we do now. Because of the need for this government to live in peace and security, security is given top importance by this government. And we must maintain the unity of our nation. The President is adamant that security has been established, Nigerians must live in peace and security, and we must maintain our country’s unity. “What we have done today will really define the destiny of the nation. Onyeama claimed, however, that the government had already begun talks with Twitter about lifting the suspension after listening to each other and clarifying some points. “Discussions are ongoing with Twitter, as you yourself stated, and we want to see how that develops,” he said. I am unable to specify the suspension’s duration at this time. Social media and our partners are the subject of conversations. “Really responsible communication is the fundamental requirement. We are aware of the influence words may have, both positively and negatively. You understand that when you have the authority to direct and assist the communication of billions of people worldwide, you also have obligations. Certainly, there must be obligations attached. Chiemelie Ezeobi in Lagos, Adedayo Akinwale and Michael Olugbode in Abuja: “The condition will be a responsible use of media, and that really has to be adhered to.”

aims of the research

The following is this study’s main goal:

to identify the causes of Twitter’s suspension

To ascertain how the Twitter ban has impacted the flow of information in Nigeria

to identify appropriate strategies for making information transmission simple

To learn how to enhance Nigeria’s information distribution

research issues

For the study, the following inquiries have been prepared:

What are the causes of Twitter’s suspension?

How has the Twitter ban altered the way information is spread in Nigeria?