By Kim HarrisbergJOHANNESBURG, June 8 (Thomson Reuters Foundation) – Almost 200 Nigerians filed a lawsuit on Tuesday seeking to lift a ban on Twitter, describing the government’s decision to block the site as stifling “any dissenting voice” and digital rights. “The (suspension) negatively impacted millions of Nigerians who carry on their daily businesses and operational activities on Twitter,” said Kolawole Oluwadare of the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP), a local rights group. Nigeria joins the ranks of China, North Korea and Iran in issuing a ban on Twitter, while Uganda, Turkey and Egypt have suspended the app during elections or political unrest. Since the ban was introduced, Nigerians have been downloading virtual private networks (VPN) to access the site, with #NigeriaTwitterBan and #KeepitOn trending on the platform, while also turning to Facebook. Across Africa, governments have used myriad techniques to stifle people’s ability to organise, voice opinions and participate in governance online, according to the African Digital Rights Network, a research and advocacy group.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 08, 2021 18:45 UTC