THE social media can be a powerful tool in promoting development but if used the wrong way it can have a negative impact in the country, President Ali Mohamed Shein warned on Wednesday.
“The growing technology in easing communication has been good, but the fact is, an irresponsible social media could potentially ruin your country,” he said at the celebrations to mark Zanzibar Law Day.
Speaking to lawyers and other stakeholders at Victoria Gardens, Stone Town, Dr Shein said use of social media such as; Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, blogs, and Google+ has helped ease communication mainly to youth, but using it to motivate people into unrests should be avoided.
“All users of the social media should know that they have the responsibility of maintaining peace and stability of this country by avoiding inciting people, and instigating violence,” he said.
The theme of this year’s Law Day is “Bad use of social media can lead to breach of law and peace.” He mentioned ongoing unrests in Libya, Yemen and Syria after the so-called Arab Spring as examples of bad use of social media can plunge nations into chaos and breach of peace.
The Zanzibar Law Day colourful event, hosted by Chief Justice Omar Othman Makungu, was also attended by the Second Vice- President, Seif Ali Iddi and Chief Justice of Tanzania Mohamed Chande Othman.
Dr Shein said: “Zanzibar constitution allows freedom of expression and the government respects it. But it is a pity that some of the users and editors of social media living in Tanzania and Zanzibar are misusing the freedom by driving people into unnecessary conflicts, and hatred against the government.”
He said the cyber crime law, already being used in Tanzania Mainland, is timely, and would be of great help in promoting good use of social media. The law extends to Zanzibar but has to be endorsed by the House of Representatives later this year after the re-run poll.
Dr Shein promised that the government will, in the near future, increase budget for the construction of new High Court building at Tunguu area. He also promised to provide 30m/- to the judiciary so that the ongoing construction of Children’s Court at Mahonda is completed.
/Daily News.
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