Ethiopia hate speech law risks selective prosecutions

Subject

Legislation to combat hate speech and false information in Ethiopia.

Significance

The government in late November tabled a draft law that seeks to prevent, proscribe and punish hate speech and the intentional dissemination of false information, with penalties ranging from a fine up to five years' imprisonment. However, although there is consensus on the inadequacy of the current criminal law to respond to this rising threat, significant concerns remain over the draft law’s content and application.

Impacts

• Given the ruling coalition’s absolute control of parliament, the law is expected to pass without much resistance.
• Social media providers will face financial and technical challenges in developing capacities to combat hate speech and false information.
• The government may use its own Information Network Security Agency to fill gaps left by providers, which would be highly controversial.