Nigeria's new media code sparks worries over freedom of expression

The new media code increases fines for indecency, inciting violence or hate speech. — AFP Relaxnews

Nigeria has announced it will tighten regulations on social media in a bid to fight the "cancer" of fake news and disinformation, but the proposal has triggered an outcry over a potential crackdown on freedom of expression.

Information Minister Lai Mohammed says the measure to strengthen the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC), the state agency overseeing media regulation, is a way to tackle hate speech and fake news that represent a "clear and imminent danger" to the country.