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#CyberBullying #CyberHarassment #CyberStalking
I had the incredible opportunity to appear on #UncutSabula #SanyukaUpdates #NBSUpdates on behalf of @UCC_Official to discuss regulatory aspects on the use of Online platforms to harass, malign, torment & intimidate others.
Thread
I had the incredible opportunity to appear on #UncutSabula #SanyukaUpdates #NBSUpdates on behalf of @UCC_Official to discuss regulatory aspects on the use of Online platforms to harass, malign, torment & intimidate others.
Thread
The first point of call to report a case of #CyberBullying #Cyberharassment is the authorities/police. This is important because authorities are not everywhere online monitoring inboxes, chats and groups which would be perceived as an intrusion. So bring it to their attention.
Why the police? While a few individuals may have reservations going to the police, #CyberBullying #CyberHarassment #CyberStalking or offensive communication as I prefer to refer to it is a prosecutable crime/offence under Ugandan law.
The Commission @UCC_Official is also building capacity to support the sector with investigating computer misuse related offences. @UCC_Official is now involved alongside other stakeholders in the investigation, prosecution and conviction of computer misuse offences.
Electronic communication-related offences are mainly addressed through awareness to empower users on the vice and nurturing digital citizens. Another way is leveraging the legal and regulatory framework to arrest and prosecute offenders. Let's explore the legalise on the subject
Offensive Communication Contrary to section 25 of the Computer Misuse Act 2011 is one of such offences provided for under the law. This is a very notorious provision of the law that has caught and surprised many who have found themselves knowingly or unknowingly behind bars.
Cyberstalking contrary to section 26 of the Computer Misuse Act 2011 is another offence under the law that will make you liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding one
hundred and twenty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.
hundred and twenty currency points or imprisonment not exceeding five years or both.
Cyber harassment contrary to section 24 of the Computer Misuse Act. A person who commits cyber harassment is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 72 currency points or imprisonment not exceeding 3 years or both. Cyber harassment is the use of a computer for the following
Child Pornography contrary to section 23 of the Computer Misuse Act 2011. This provision of the law is important because we know that child predators have used technology to great effect to zero in on children for the purposes of sexual abuse.
Abetment and attempts contrary to section 21 of the Act. A person who abets another person in committing an offence under this Act, or who attempts to commit any offence under this Act commits that offence and is liable on conviction to the punishment prescribed for the offence.
Libel contrary to S.179 of the Penal Code Act. Any person who, by print, writing, painting, effigy or by...gestures, spoken words or other sounds, unlawfully publishes any defamatory matter concerning another person with intent to defame, commits the misdemeanour termed libel.
Electronic fraud contrary to section 19 of the Computer Misuse Act 2011. A person who carries out electronic fraud commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding 360 currency points or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 15 years or both.
Important to note is that content regulation for Social Media is unique. The Internet is a free arena for all; it is a public shared space where anyone can get online and do whatever they want (or so you think). This is both an opportunity and a challenge at the same time.
Thus, the Commission @UCC_Official has classified data communicators and required online publishers to registers hence introducing terms and conditions for services offered as data communication (Commercialised online platforms).
"Gatekeeping" online is enforced by the laws that govern a given country as well as the community standards by the platform used on the Internet unlike the traditional broadcasting where the legal and regulatory framework provides for Ex ante safeguards.,
For Social Media, we have to depend more on the owners and the users of the platforms. That is why it is incumbent upon us as stakeholders to nature digital citizens and responsible users of digital platforms.
My observation has been that many offended persons suffer from the "Clean-hands Doctrine." - 'He who comes into Equity Must Come With Clean Hands.' This maxim bars relief for anyone guilty of improper conduct in the matter at hand.
That said we need to create more awareness of people's rights in regards to cyber harassment, how to identify harassment- some don't. We need to educate and nurture digital citizens, the responsible use of online platforms and education of the associated risks of misuse.
