Implications of Nigeria’s Twitter Ban and Use of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) on Freedom of Speech and Expression

ABSTRACT: The researchers examined the implications of Nigeria’s Twitter ban, and the use of VirtualPrivate Networks on freedom of speech and expression in the country. The researchers found that theinfringement of the rights of Nigerian’s to freedom of speech and expression was a critical concern of the ban oftwitter. Since, participants saw Nigeria’s Twitter ban was a step by the government to absolutely regulate socialmedia. It established that VPNs were very useful, helpful and instrumental in ensuring that Nigerian’s exercisetheir right to freedom of speech and expression. The researchers recommended that Twitter and the Nigeriangovernment should ensure that they come to a baseline of understanding in order to redress their stands on theban of twitter since it affects a large part of the country, and the press most especially.

KEYWORDS: Nigeria‟s Twitter ban, Virtual Private Networks, Freedom of speech, Libertarian theory,Nigerian government