NIS boss Haji cautions on social media security risks

Noordin Haji, the Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), has once again raised alarm over the misuse of social media, warning that it poses a significant threat to national and regional security.

Speaking at the second Mashariki Cooperation Conference (MCC II) in Naivasha on Thursday, Haji highlighted how the growing spread of misinformation and disinformation on digital platforms is destabilizing nations and potentially inciting unrest across the region.

He expressed concern about the substantial increase in the use of social media for advocacy and civil mobilization.

“This has resulted in the widespread emergence of coordinated misinformation and disinformation aimed at misleading citizens,” Haji stated.

He warned that these false narratives misguide citizens, influence their decisions, and distort their views of their governments.

“This trend has led them to make poor decisions and foster misguided perceptions of their governments, creating an environment of psychological uncertainty among the populace,” Haji added.

Going further, the NIS Director General made it clear that while free speech is vital to democracy, there needs to be a balance between this freedom and the imperative of safeguarding national security.

He stressed that the unchecked spread of harmful content online could fuel violence and division.

“The misinformation and disinformation are aimed at misguiding citizens, leading them to make poor decisions and shaping their perceptions of their governments,” Haji reiterated.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who also attended the conference, echoed Haji’s concerns, urging the youth to refrain from using social media to spread hatred or divisive rhetoric.

Murkomen highlighted the dangers posed by emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, which are increasingly being used to amplify disinformation.

“Issues of emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence to spread disinformation, spread inflammatory rhetoric, and perpetuate technology-related threats such as cyber fraud are of great concern to us,” he said.

The conference, attended by high-level security officials from across Africa, centered on addressing the evolving threats facing the continent.

One of the key takeaways was the importance of regional cooperation in intelligence sharing and response strategies to combat terrorism, cybercrime, and digital misinformation.

In conclusion, NIS Director, Haji reaffirmed the importance of fostering strong regional partnerships to navigate the complex digital landscape and ensure Africa’s security in an increasingly interconnected world.

“Our gathering here reaffirms our dedication to shaping a future where innovation, cooperation, and the shared continental vision drive Africa forward,” he said.

Just last month, Haji, had raised alarm about the misuse of social media and artificial intelligence (AI) by both domestic and foreign actors aiming to destabilize the nation.

The NIS boss highlighted the growing dangers of disinformation and misinformation to national security.

“While access to information remains the cornerstone of democratic governance, socioeconomic stability, and interstate relations, propagation of disinformation and misinformation continues to threaten these ideals,” Haji stated.