Rights Chief Warns Of Social Media Risks to Public Freedoms

GOOBJOOG NEWS | MOGADISHU: Somalia’s human rights chief has warned that the unchecked use of social media is posing growing risks to fundamental freedoms, citing misinformation, online abuse and privacy violations.

Maryan Qaasim, chair of the National Independent Human Rights Commission, said the spread of false information and digital misconduct is undermining public trust and harming vulnerable groups, particularly young people.

Speaking at a forum hosted by the Heritage Institute in Mogadishu, she stressed that protecting rights in digital spaces, including freedom of expression, human dignity and privacy, requires joint responsibility from government, private companies, civil society and users.

Qaasim called for stronger digital governance, improved accountability by social media platforms and increased public awareness to ensure online spaces promote, rather than erode, rights.

Her remarks come as Somalia sees rapid growth in internet and social media use, with authorities and rights groups raising concerns over the impact of unregulated digital activity on social cohesion and public discourse.