Challenges of Privacy Protection in the New Media Era

International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS) | Volume III, Issue III, March 2019 | ISSN 2454–6186

Challenges of Privacy Protection in the New Media Era

Oriola, M.O¹, Akase, T.M², Akilla, M.O³, Agbele, D.J⁴

¹Ph.D, Department of Creative Arts, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria
² Ph.D, Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria

³Ph.D, Department of English Studies, Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria
⁴Department of Mass Communication, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Nigeria

Abstract: – This paper considers the challenge of privacy, in relation to the practice of journalism in the era of new media technologies. It draws attention to complications in the issue of privacy and the need for ethical obedience when new media journalists go about gathering and disseminating news stories. The paper also touches on what constitutes the invasion of privacy and how Nigerians have/can deliberately put their right to privacy in danger. Factors that makes privacy protection a challenge in the new media era were also critically examined.The paper equally analyses the ethical provisions of journalism that protects privacy of Nigerians as well as the provisions of the Nigerian constitution on the matter, both provisions were weighed against each other.

Keywords: Constitution, Ethics, Journalism, New Media, Privacy

I. INTRODUCTION

Mass media began in Nigeria, officially, as far back as 1859 when a newspaper titled ‘IweIrohin’ made its entry into public domain through the efforts of Reverend Henry Townsend (Nwanne, 2016). Since then until the present, Nigeria media landscape has never remained the same as the radio revolution (Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria in 1933) and the television magic (Western Nigeria Television in 1959) followed suit. The current trend is the new media and it has ensured that people need not wait for the newspaper, radio or television before they get information they need, anytime and anywhere (Agboola, 2014). Asides from the almost-instant capacities to manage, disseminate and receive information, new media platforms such as internet blogs, social media, e-mails and even SMS (Short Messaging Services) has enabled people to practice journalism at little or no cost and with global reach. Behind this obvious delight that these novel media of mass communication have given humanity, privacy concerns have become a hot issue more than ever and people are more vulnerable to predator journalists and blackmailers.

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