Bad Law – Legal and Regulatory Responses to Misinformation in Sub-Saharan Africa 2016–2020
Affiliation: University of Westminster, GB
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Affiliation: l'Université Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD), Dakar, SN
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Affiliation: University of the Witwatersrand, ZA
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Affiliation: Columbia University, US
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Chapter from the book: Cunliffe-Jones, P et al. 2021. Misinformation Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa: From Laws and Regulations to Media Literacy.
This second report in the volume examines changes made to laws and regulations related to ‘false information’ in eleven countries across Sub-Saharan Africa 2016-2020 from Ethiopia to South Africa. By examining the terms of such laws against what is known of misinformation types, drivers and effects, it assesses the likely effects of punitive policies and those of more positive approaches that provide accountability in political debate by promoting access to accurate information and corrective speech. In contrast to the effects described for most recent regulations relating to misinformation, the report identifies ways in which legal and regulatory frameworks can be used to promote a healthier information environment.