Controversy over the Cybercrime Act 2015 has been clarified. A Lagos lawyer explains it doesn’t target genuine journalists, urging responsible reporting.

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he controversy surrounding the Cybercrime Act 2015, enacted by the federal government and allegedly aimed at stifling journalism, has been addressed.

Lagos-based lawyer, Chief Abdullahi Tony Dania, clarified the misinterpretation of the Act, explaining that it is not directed against professional journalists.

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Speaking at a workshop organised by Feedback Communications Company in partnership with Maritime Media Executives on 10th September 2024, Dania emphasised that the Act aims to create a legal framework to prevent, detect, and prosecute cybercrimes in Nigeria.

Dania stated that the law seeks to combat cybercrime, such as cyberbullying, cyberstalking, and the spread of false information, but does not target responsible journalists.

He encouraged journalists to verify information before publishing to avoid defamation or cyber libel. “If you are unsure about information, don’t publish it without proper evidence,” he advised.

He also stressed that journalists should use voice or video recordings to support their reports.

The workshop addressed concerns that the Cybercrime Act 2015 was introduced to limit press freedom, but Dania reaffirmed that trained journalists adhering to ethical standards should not fear the law.

He urged the creation of a government task force to regulate cyberspace and sanction offenders. Additionally, Mr Ismail Aniemu, Publisher of JournalNG, discussed the impact of cybercrime on the press, stressing the importance of integrity in journalism. He advised journalists to correct mistakes and issue apologies when necessary.