The proposed information bill which is being discussed in parliament and seen as a threat to media freedom could potentially hamper the social media space in SA.

The bill, if passed into law will fundamentally seek to classify any government information which would be harmful to the “national interest”.  The term ‘national interest’ is defined so broadly that it could affect any government activity. A number of media scholars in SA have said the bill could potentially lead to the muzzling of the press. This is because any publication of “classified” information would come with severe repercussions including prison terms. In a sense, this bill if passed into law will curtail investigative journalism.

One might argue that if this bill is passed into law, it might also impact heavily on social media activity in SA. A number of journalists use social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook to break stories on government corruption or to air their views on pressing issues.  As such, the publication of any information on the social media space which is also deemed “classified” can potentially lead to one being prosecuted. According to CNN, you have a constitutional right to express your views on social networking sites, especially if it is not lewd; vulgar; threatening; advocating illegal or dangerous behaviour; or damaging.

In fundamental nature, there is likelihood that the protection of information bill, if passed into law will curtail freedom of expression even on social media spaces; consequently not only journalists will be affected, but also any user of social media in SA. This is one other important reason why civil society and all those opposing the bill should galvanise together and mount a serious opposition to it (the bill) being passed into law.