Browsing by Author "Adonay Teweldeberehan"
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Item Regulating Disinformation in Ethiopia: A Human Rights-Based Approach(Addis Ababa University, 2023-01) Adonay Teweldeberehan; Christophe Van der Beken (PhD)Disinformation, or the spread of false or misleading information, can be a significant challenge to society as it can undermine trust in institutions and damage public discourse. Ethiopia is no exception to this and the spread of misleading information through the media as well as new forms of communications such as social media has brought about new challenges. While it may be tempting to address this challenge through criminal or restrictive measures, such approaches can have negative consequences for human rights, especially freedom of expression. Restrictive measures such as over criminalization of speech, prior restraints and blocking internet access, for example, can raise significant human right concerns. In Ethiopia, laws intended on regulating disinformation already exist in various spheres, but it is important to consider the potential negative impact on human rights when implementing these measures. The study's findings shed light on the patterns and trends in the regulation of disinformation in Ethiopia, and it presents evidence-based recommendations for tackling the problem in a manner that respects the country's human rights commitments. Specifically, the research puts forward an approach to combating disinformation that is grounded in human rights and prioritizes enhancing digital and media literacy, expanding access to trustworthy information, and encouraging self-regulation within the media and on social media platforms.