An Assessment of the Hate Speech Bill and the Fight Against Misinformation on Social Media
CHAPTER ONE
OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY
The primary aim of this study is to assess the hate speech bill and the fight against misinformation on social media, thus, the following are the specific objectives;
- To ascertain the prevalence of misinformation in Nigeria.
- To determine whether social media has contributed to misinformation in Nigeria.
- To determine if the hate speech bill is strategic enough to curtail the rate of misinformation in Nigeria.
CHAPTER TWO
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE
Introduction
Hate speech is an elusive concept with no universally acknowledged definition. It covers abusive, denigrating, harassing speech targeting a group’s or individual’s national, racial, religious or ethnic identity (Steiner & Alston, 2000). Different scholars and researchers around the world have proposed varying illustrations depicting what could be described as hate speech in inter personal communication among people in the society. Human Rights Watch defines hate speech as “any form of expression regarded as offensive to racial, ethnic and religious groups and other discrete minorities, and to women”(Walker, 1995). Some scholars define it as a “generic term that has come to embrace the use of speech attacks based on race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation or preference”(Rodney, 1993). Hate speech is viewed in some quarters as any form of inflammatory language or utterance by citizens expressing hatred and at times inciting violence – against individuals or groups, notably based on their ethnicity or perceived beliefs, acts or political views.(UNMISS, 2018). The lack of universal agreement as to what constitutes hate speech has created a thin line between the vice and regular conversation making the act seemingly difficult to prosecute under law. Indeed, some speech might be so offensive that it may foster a climate of prejudice or discrimination against minority groups; yet it might not constitute hate speech (Kitrosser, 2017). Similarly, the media may include disparaging news about minorities or religious groups(Powell, Hills, & Nash, 2010), or may portray members of religious or ethnic minority groups through cliché and stereotyped images, which might be offensive, but not hate speech (ECHR, 2019). In this regard, a wide definition of hate speech would include group libel, or an attack on the dignity or reputation of a given group or individual. This would cover speech that is considered offensive regardless of whether it would lead to harmful results or not.
CHAPTER THREE
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
In this chapter, we described the research procedure for this study. A research methodology is a research process adopted or employed to systematically and scientifically present the results of a study to the research audience viz. a vis, the study beneficiaries.
RESEARCH DESIGN
Research designs are perceived to be an overall strategy adopted by the researcher whereby different components of the study are integrated in a logical manner to effectively address a research problem. In this study, the researcher employed the survey research design. This is due to the nature of the study whereby the opinion and views of people are sampled. According to Singleton & Straits, (2009), Survey research can use quantitative research strategies (e.g., using questionnaires with numerically rated items), qualitative research strategies (e.g., using open-ended questions), or both strategies (i.e., mixed methods). As it is often used to describe and explore human behaviour, surveys are therefore frequently used in social and psychological research.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION AND ANALYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This chapter presents the analysis of data derived through the questionnaire and key informant interview administered on the respondents in the study area. The analysis and interpretation were derived from the findings of the study. The data analysis depicts the simple frequency and percentage of the respondents as well as interpretation of the information gathered. A total of eighty (80) questionnaires were administered to respondents of which only seventy-seven (77) were returned and validated. This was due to irregular, incomplete and inappropriate responses to some questionnaire. For this study a total of 77 was validated for the analysis.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
Introduction
It is important to ascertain that the objective of this study was to ascertain an assessment of the hate speech bill and fight against misinformation on social media. In the preceding chapter, the relevant data collected for this study were presented, critically analyzed and appropriate interpretation given. In this chapter, certain recommendations made which in the opinion of the researcher will be of benefits in addressing the challenges of hate speech bill and fight against misinformation on social media
Summary
This study was on an assessment of the hate speech bill and fight against misinformation on social media. Three objectives were raised which included: To ascertain the prevalence of misinformation in Nigeria, to determine whether social media has contributed to misinformation in Nigeria and to determine if the hate speech bill is strategic enough to curtail the rate of misinformation in Nigeria. A total of 77 responses were received and validated from the enrolled participants where all respondents were drawn from students of University of Uyo. Hypothesis was tested using Chi-Square statistical tool (SPSS).
Conclusion
The continuous rise in extremism, hate speech and fake news spread in contemporary Nigeria is problematic. These issues are capable in causing tension and then disintegration if not properly handled. Based on the findings, it is therefore safe to conclude that the extent to which the social media platforms are being used could be the reason for not being effective in combating extremism, hate speech and fake news in Nigeria
Recommendation
Based on the findings the researcher recommends that: Social media platforms should be used very often so as to raise the consciousness of people towards the dangers of extremism, hate speech and fake news. Social media contents should be designed in a way they will be very effective in influencing people to disengage in extremism, hate speech and fake news. Other measures need to be introduced to go hand-in-hand with social media in order to curb the scourge. Those who use the social media platforms to promote extremism, hate speech and fake news as a result of its free access should be re-orientated so as to desist from the act. On the other hand, government should be advised to introduce policies that will not fuel extremism, hate speech and fake news among the people.
References
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