Facebook tightens rules for political adverts in Nigeria ahead of general elections
- Facebook advertising rules in Nigeria will be tightened as a means of checking fake news and other propaganda ahead of the general elections
- Only advertisers located in the Nigeria will be able to run electoral advert as from Wednesday, January 16
Facebook has said that in order to counter interference with electoral process, it would tighten the rules of political advertising on its platform in India, Nigeria, and Ukraine.
Ahead of the Nigerian general election scheduled for February 2019, the social media company told Reuters that as from Wednesday, January 16, in Nigeria, only advertisers located in the country will be able to run electoral advert.
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“We’re learning from every country. We know we’re not going to be perfect, but our goal is continuing, ongoing improvement," Rob Leathern, a director of product management at the company said.
The social network introduced the new policies as part of moves to check fake news after it was accused of doing little to stop the spread of propaganda and misinformation on its platform in 2016.
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Meanwhile, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said both Fani-Kayode and Yinka Odumakin accused of circulating the fake news on the alleged invasion of the Justice Walter Onnoghen's home on Tuesday, January 15, would be questioned today, Wednesday, January 16.
A spokesperson for the anti-graft agency, Tony Orilade, said the fake news on the purported invasion of the home of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Onnoghen, could injure the country’s interest, Premium Times reports.
The EFCC spokesperson said the two politicians responsible for the fake news, would have to explain their action. He noted that if both men failed to disclose useful information, they may not be released on time.
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Source: Legit.ng