Nigeria’s New Cybercrimes Act: What You Need to Know
Oru Leonard
The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially enacted the Cybercrimes Bill into law, making all provisions contained in the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act fully enforceable and binding across the country. This development aims to provide a comprehensive legal framework for investigating, prosecuting, and deterring cybercrimes while protecting electronic communications and information systems.
Key Provisions of the Cybercrimes Act
– Unauthorized Access to Devices: Gaining access to someone else’s phone, computer, or digital device without permission is a criminal offense, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
– Tampering with Data: Modifying, deleting, obstructing, or interfering with another person’s digital data without lawful authority is illegal, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment.
– Disclosure of Critical Information: Sharing classified, sensitive, or “critical information infrastructure” with unauthorized persons is a serious offense, punishable by up to 15 years imprisonment.
– Recording Private Conversations: Recording private discussions without proper authorization, even if you’re a participant, violates privacy laws, punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment.
– Publishing False or Misleading Information: Spreading
Photo Credit: Getty images
