A comprehensive new cybersecurity law is now in force across the country, the Federal Government has announced. The legislation, formally known as the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, establishes a range of criminal offenses for online activities.
All citizens, particularly those who use the internet, create content, or manage online groups and platforms, are urged to understand the new rules.
Summary of Key Offenses:
Illegal Access (Section 3): It is a crime to access another person’s computer, phone, or any digital device without their consent. This offense carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years.
Data Interference (Section 4):Modifying, deleting, or unlawfully interfering with another individual's data is prohibited and can result in a jail term of up to five years.
Sharing Classified Data (Section 5): Unauthorized disclosure of sensitive or classified government infrastructure information is a severe violation, with penalties of up to 15 years imprisonment.
Unauthorized Recording (Section 10): Recording private conversations without proper authority—including those you are a part of—is a breach of privacy laws. This is punishable by up to two years in prison.
Spreading False Information (Section 19): Publishing deliberately misleading or deceptive content, commonly known as "fake news," is now a criminal act that can lead to a two-year jail term.
Online Abuse (Section 22): Posting offensive, indecent, or vulgar content with the intent to harass, embarrass, or humiliate another person is an offense, also punishable by up to two years imprisonment.
Inciting Division (Section 24): Making statements online or offline that are intended to provoke hatred based on ethnicity, religion, or tribe is classified as an act of domestic terrorism and can result in a life sentence.
Special Note for Online Group Administrators:
Administrators of digital communities, such as WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, or Telegram channels, can be held responsible for content posted by members. Liability may apply if an administrator knowingly permits illegal material to be shared or fails to take adequate steps to moderate their platform.
The public is advised to actively monitor their online groups, enforce clear rules, and avoid sharing unverified or inflammatory information.
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