The Cybercrimes Bill aims to curb cybercrime by creating 20 new offences related to cybercrime and providing for related procedures and penalties. It introduces a new system for mitigating and investigating cybercrimes, which includes searching and gaining access to, or seizing items in relation to cybercrimes.
Why do we need the Cybercrimes Act?
Many people will be asking — why do we need to pass the Cybercrimes Act? Hackers, terrorists, and other criminals are on the rise, and this act will help keep people safe from harm. It also consolidates our cybercrime laws into one act — making them easier to understand, which is important as technology rapidly evolves. Essentially, it aims to stop cybercrime and improve the security of the country.
Who is affected by it?
The Cybercrimes Act applies to natural and juristic persons alike. Regular citizens and organisations can be prosecuted under the Act for violating its provisions. Those that are found guilty of an offence under the Act are liable to a fine or imprisonment for up to 15 years. It impacts everyone who has to deal with data in some form or another, whether they’re collecting it or having it collected about them. Individuals, parents, journalists, organisations, banks and many others.
- All electronic communication service providers
- Financial institutions
- Government representatives
- Cybercriminals
- Hardware and software providers or vendors of tools that could be used to commit offences
- Information security experts
- Anyone using a computer or the internet
- The police