No need to filter social media platforms, say journalists |03 May 2018

There is no need to apply filtering measures to the different social media platforms as they provide individuals with a place to express themselves freely.

Local journalists who took part in a debate yesterday to coincide with the World Press Freedom Day today, May 3, argued that freedom of expression guaranteed in the Constitution, has to come with responsibility and that the population should be educated on the benefit of using the social media responsibly.

The media committee of the National Assembly organised the debate entitled ‘Restricting freedom of mainstream media and social media through filtering measures. How acceptable is it and what impact will it have?’

It took place yesterday afternoon at the National Assembly at Ile Du Port.

Representatives of media houses and media practitioners, the Seychelles Media Commission, social media administrators, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and youth organisations took part in the debate which was led by long-time journalist by profession Marie-Annette Ernesta. They shared their view in a frank and at intervals heated but very cordial manner.

Some delegates were of the view  that social media was replacing the mainstream media while others pointed out that even though news on social media is quick, it is personalised opinion and people will always rely on the mainstream media for news verification so as to get credible and factual information. There was a consensus that both the mainstream media and the social media should co-exist and complement one another even though the social media is labelled as being too negative especially from users hiding behind fake profiles.

Gervais Henrie, the chairperson of the National Assembly media committee, said evolution of the social media has challenged the traditional media and push it to ensure it keeps providing the public with concrete facts as social media is normally about opinion pieces hosted by individuals.

Mr Henrie said the committee organised the debate to get the views of the mainstream media representatives, other groups and members of the public on restricting the freedom of both media through filtering measures and how will it be accepted and what impact it would create.

The other members of the media committee present for the debate were Paul Ernesta, Simon Gill, Chantal Ghislain, Flory Larue and Jany de Letourdie. Wavel Woodcock was absent.