#HandsOffSocialMedia says Twitter users
State Security Minister David Mahlobo announced on Sunday that it is being considered to regulate social media platforms to stop the spread of false information.
POLOKWANE – Reports suggest that Mahlobo was responding to a question by a reporter about fake news during a question and answer session after a press briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS).
According to Mahlobo, social media was being abused and the government were contemplating regulating the space.
“Even the best democracies that are revered regulate the space. We will be discussing how do we regulate it,” Mahlobo was quoted as saying.
Twitter users have taken stand against this by using the hashtag #HandsOffSocialMedia.
A reporter at a justice, crime prevention and security cluster briefing held in Pretoria asked how the intelligence services planned to deal with the spread of false information on social media, with the result of the announcement made.
https://twitter.com/PalesaSuping1/status/838750948805787648
https://twitter.com/Barry_Roux/status/838685957008285700
https://twitter.com/vusumzi_t/status/838684197309009921
https://twitter.com/1KingSbu/status/838683287556087808
We are so ready for you ANC Woza wena #HandsOffSocialMedia pic.twitter.com/oNiqD9lfCq
— uMfana ka Gogo (@asanda_jr) March 6, 2017
https://twitter.com/JustKholii_/status/838644943430221825
https://twitter.com/JustKholii_/status/838644340641697793
Their dirty laundry gets aired on social media now they want to censor us.#HandsOffSocialMedia
— JALI.🇿🇦 (@S_Jalii) March 6, 2017
Millions of money will be wasted on trying to "regulate" social media. Why not put that to good use? Like education? #HandsOffSocialMedia
— Karabo Mokgoko 🦄🌞 (@Karabo_Mokgoko) March 6, 2017
What are your thoughts on regulating social media? Do you agree with it?
