Social media is having a negative impact on Gambian society and the government should regulate it, claims Foday Gassama, nominated member of the National Assembly.

The freshly appointed parliamentarian told The Standard newspaper that social media is at the moment being abused by a section of the Gambian society and urged government to take action to put a stop to the abuse.   

“Social media played an important role in the change of government but today it is being abused. I think the government should act now to look into the issue like what China did to censor information disseminated via social media through technology.

“I want to make it abundantly clear to the Gambian diaspora not to underestimate the importance of The Gambia as one big family.”

Meanwhile Gambians have taken to social media to savage his claims calling it “stupid and dangerous.”

Patrick Murphy said: “Gambia don’t have the tools to regulate social media, try regulating NAWEC first.

Sulayman Badjie said: “The issue with The Gambia is not social media but security. The Gambia government should work on improving security in the country as there too many thieves.

“Calling on the government to emulate China in suppressing freedom of speech is beyond ridiculous,” said Coach Pa Samba Jow, a prominent Gambian social media commentator.

“Don’t blame him. He is semi-literate,” said Modou Lamin Manneh.