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- Title
Two Sides of the Same Coin: Digital Authoritarianism and Press (Un)Freedom in Africa.
- Authors
Egbunike, Nwachukwu Andrew
- Abstract
Adopting a mixed method of interrogative review of literature, secondary data and case study of a digital legislation employed in jailing a TikToker in Uganda, this study critically evaluated the prevalence of digital authoritarian tactics in Africa since 2014. These repressive measures are not limited to digital spaces but are also used against the press. The paper argued that this double attack on both digital and traditional media is a symptom of a deeper problem. Through an analysis of the authoritarian media theory, this paper suggested that the root cause of digital repression lies in the deep-seated tendencies of African governments to control the media. Digital media has changed the political power dynamics in Africa, and governments are determined to bring it under their control. To address this crisis, it is necessary to look beyond the narrow view of digital repression as an isolated phenomenon. It is part of a process that begins with media control and ends with state capture. The ultimate goal is to eliminate the public accountability provided by both digital and mainstream media. The battle has only changed names; authoritarian governments will stop at nothing to suppress democracy.
- Subjects
AFRICA; ELECTRONIC money; DIGITAL technology; DIGITAL media; LITERATURE reviews; POWER (Social sciences); FREEDOM of the press
- Publication
Journal of African Film & Diaspora Studies (JAFDIS), 2024, Vol 7, Issue 1, p47
- ISSN
2516-2705
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.31920/2516-2713/2024/7n1a3