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Activists say social media ban is unjustifiable, violates right to information

Author: Chany Ninrew | Published: January 23, 2025

Facebook and Tiktok logos. (Illustration).

Civil society activists have called on the transitional government to reconsider the recent ban on social media platforms, describing it as a violation of citizen’s freedom of expression and right of access to information.

On Wednesday, the National Communication Authority (NCA) imposed a 90-day maximum ban on social media sites including Facebook and Tiktok over alleged misuse of the online space.

The communication regulator said the directive was prompted by the circulation of violent contents and sentiments as a result of the incident in Sudan’s Wad Madani.

Zain and MTN have informed users that access to Facebook and TikTok will be restricted per the directive.

NCA said the ban on social media platforms could be lifted sooner if the situation in the digital space improves.

In response, Bol Deng Bol, Executive Director of Intrepid South Sudan, terms the decision to shut down social media as a destructive reaction to the “genuine concern of South Sudanese prompted by the inhumane killing of people trapped in Sudan’s Civil War.

“This decision is unjustifiable and constitutes a deliberate infringement on the South Sudanese right of access to information,” he said.

“This is very unfortunate I am therefore strongly urging the Government to reconsider this blockage of the Social sites and instead, educate Citizens on the dangers of hate speech, misinformation and disinformation.”

On his part, Ter Manyang Gatwech, the Executive Director of Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), said the move violates the rights established in the constitution.

Article 24 of the constitution states that every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, including the reception and dissemination of information, publication, and access to the press, without prejudice to public order, safety, or morals as prescribed by law.

Manyang said the action is likely to tarnish the image of the current administration.

 

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