Senator Ned Nwoko has proposed a new social media regulation bill following a viral TikTok video in which a content creator falsely accused him of attempting to murder his estranged wife, Regina Daniels. The incident exposed the growing lack of regulation in Nigeria’s online space.
Viral TikTok Sparks Controversy
The TikToker initially claimed that Nwoko paid him and others to kill Daniels. However, he later admitted in another video that he fabricated the story for views. Nwoko explained that such events highlight how unchecked online content can damage reputations and spread misinformation rapidly.
He said, “Individuals are increasingly making severe accusations to attract attention without considering the reputational and personal damage to those involved.” Nwoko stressed that creators often face minimal consequences, allowing them to “lie to make money and simply apologise later.”
The Need for Stricter Online Laws
Senator Nwoko has been actively addressing defamation following repeated false allegations during his public dispute with Regina Daniels. He argued that the incident underscores the urgent need for stronger laws governing digital platforms in Nigeria.
Key Provisions of the Proposed Bill
The proposed bill would require social media companies operating in Nigeria to:
- Register in the country and maintain physical offices.
- Be accountable for defamatory or harmful content, similar to traditional media.
- Comply with tax obligations, track criminal activities, and maintain user records within Nigeria.
- Create jobs and facilitate technology transfer locally.
Nwoko compared tech firms to landlords, arguing that just as landlords can be held responsible for tenants involved in crimes, foreign tech companies should not escape liability for harmful content circulating on their platforms.
Protecting Nigerians From Online Harm
Nwoko emphasized that the TikToker’s false claim is just one example of a broader problem. Without proper regulation, he warned, more Nigerians could face reputational and personal harm online. He concluded that implementing such laws is essential to ensure accountability, protect citizens, and strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem.
