Cape Town – Minister of State Security David Mahlobo has sparked outrage on Twitter after reportedly saying that government is considering regulating social media.
According to reports, Mahlobo was responding to a question by a reporter about fake news during a question and answer session after a press briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security Cluster (JCPS).
Mahlobo said social media was being abused and the government were contemplating to regulate the space.
"Even the best democracies that are revered, they regulate the space. We will be discussing how do we regulate it," Mahlobo was quoted as saying.
On Monday #HandsOffSocialMedia was the top trend on Twitter in South Africa.
@MYANC be like... #HandsOffSocialMedia pic.twitter.com/e61dJ6TcRC
— I'll be honest (@MOHALE94) March 6, 2017
So they want to regulate social media, pure bullying tactics but we won't be silenced anymore👎👎👎 #HandsOffSocialMedia
— #AlbumOutNow (@VeekaySA) March 6, 2017
The nation is worried about SASSA grants and government is worried about regulating social media #HandsOffSocialMedia pic.twitter.com/Hwv9GPTSR4
— Sazi Notshweleka (@Mansaz) March 6, 2017 Some people even got personal with the minister.
David Mahlobo probably got ignored by some chick in DMs and is taking it out on all of us now #HandsOffSocialMedia
— Sdu Yun Li (@SduduzoG) March 6, 2017
Mahlobo wants to capture both rhino horns and social media! @MYANC pls regulate your people #HandsOffSocialMedia
— Mookamedi Motswane (@IamMotswane) March 6, 2017