Authorities are intensifying efforts against cyberbullying, emphasizing that sharing lewd and indecent videos or photographs to humiliate individuals is a criminal offense under the Cybercrime Act of 2020, punishable by up to five years in prison and substantial fines.
Minister of Home Affairs Hon. Kareem Musa highlighted the legal repercussions of cyberbullying. Referencing an earlier statement by the Commissioner of Police, Musa noted, "We must understand that this is now an offense, a criminal offense by virtue of the Cybercrime Act of 2020."
The act, according to Musa, targets those who publish or share humiliating content, including videos and photographs. It states that such actions can result in a prison term of five years and fines ranging from five to ten thousand dollars. The law applies not only to the original distributors but also to those who perpetuate the offense by sharing the content further.
"Whether you're sharing that by way of Facebook, by way of WhatsApp, something as simple as just hitting the share button on WhatsApp, you become liable to be charged under this Cybercrime Act," Musa reiterated.
The authorities stress the importance of public awareness and respect for victims. "These young ladies have family members. This is very concerning. This is very disturbing," he added.
The law also covers the creation and distribution of memes using humiliating material. "If you're taking some of that material and making memes with it and then sharing it, you are still continuing to perpetrate that crime," Musa explained. This means that individuals sharing such memes are equally liable under the act.
The Cybercrime Unit is actively working to identify individuals involved in these offenses. However, the process relies on victims coming forward to make complaints. Musa encouraged victims to report incidents, saying, "Any one of them I want to encourage them to come forward if it is that they feel offended, if it is that they feel humiliated."
Authorities urge the public to be mindful of the societal damage caused by such actions and the legal liabilities they carry. The campaign against cyberbullying continues as the police and the Cybercrime Unit strive to protect individuals from online harassment.
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