News

Ethiopia cabinet approves bill to combat fake news, hate speech

Last updated on September 11th, 2021 at 03:14 pm

Ethiopia’s Council of Ministers over the weekend approved a bill drafted by the Attorney General to combat fake news and hate speech, the state-run Fana broadcasting corporate reports.
The bill’s official name is the Computer Crime proclamation. Despite approval by the council, the bill will be sent to parliament, the House of Peoples’ Representatives (HoPR) for final approval.
“It is deemed necessary to enact the law because the nation cannot address problems arising from hate speeches and fake news with existing laws,” a statement issued from the council of ministers said.
Social media has been identified as one of the main avenues through which users have incited ethically tinged violence leading to deaths and displacements.
The country is currently listed among global leaders in the area of internally displaced people. Ethiopia, as Africa’s second most populous nation, had a restrictive media space prior to April 2018 and the coming into office of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
Sticking by his reform promise, Abiy released hundreds of political prisoners, jailed press men and opened up the media landscape. Under his watch, media outlets previously banned were allowed to return and operate in the country.
Social media has however been a blessing and headache for Abiy. His office has effectively used Twitter and Facebook to project work being done by government.

But social media has also been blamed for the rise in the spread of fake news and the peddling of hate speech.
With scant details on the said bill, it is expected to receive some backlash from journalists and human rights activists especially.
The Council of Ministers approved four other bills aside the Computer Crime Proclamation, a key one being an agreement signed with Djibouti to build a pipeline to transport Ethiopian gas to an export terminal in the Red Sea state.
The Computer Crime Proclamation of 2016 – Amnesty International’s position
The Computer Crime Proclamation of 2016 complements other proclamations that limit internet freedom. It criminalizes genuine speech and defamation and gives intelligence and law enforcement agencies power to conduct surveillance and searches.
As the offline civic space shrunk in Ethiopia, those with access to the internet moved the discourse to the digital sphere to express their opinions.
Forcing these platforms to police speech in compliance with the government litmus test for what is acceptable speech will continue to be detrimental to internet freedom in the country.

Albert Echetah

Recent Posts

‘Pregnant’ for 15 Months: Inside Nigeria’sDisturbing Fertility Scam Network

A recently uncovered scam from Nigeria’s Anambra state has some women falling preyto “cryptic pregnancy” con. BBC investigation has revealed…

November 25, 2024

President William Ruto Launches University of Nairobi’s Silicon Savannah Innovation Park

The University of Nairobi's Silicon Savannah Innovation Park was launched at State House inNairobi by President William Ruto. The aim…

November 25, 2024

Newcastle vs West Ham: KeyPredictions for Today’s Clash

The Newcastle vs West Ham match is taking place today in Newcastle, England at St James'Park stadium. The match will…

November 25, 2024

Tanzania Opposition Leader Freeman Mbowe Released On Bail

The leader of Tanzania's main opposition party, Chadema, Freeman Mbowe, has been released on bail after being arrested on Friday,…

November 24, 2024

Four UAE Convoys Deliver Essential Aid to Gaza’s Struggling Communities

This week, four aid convoys carrying various forms of humanitarian supplies from the United Arab Emirates crossed the Rafah Border…

November 23, 2024

Rising Tide of Climate Change Protest: Arrest took place Amid Coal Export Demonstrations

Hundreds of demonstrators took to Newcastle's harbour in canoes and kayaks for a climate protest which resulted in several arrests.…

November 23, 2024

This website uses cookies.