NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – Persons sharing inflammatory comments on social media risk facing stringent penalties should parliament give nod to a new Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill.
The Bill sponsored by Wajir East MP Aden Daudi aims to strengthen the existing legislation by introducing new sections targeting offenses linked to digital platforms.
The bill aims to deter misuse of social media by introducing penalties for acts such as identity theft, SIM-card fraud, and promoting illegal activities through digital platforms.
Similarly, it proposes that websites or applications proven to promote illegal activities such as child pornography, terrorism, or extremist practices be rendered inaccessible.
“Where is proved that a website or application promotes illegal activities, child pornography, terrorism, cultic practice extreme religious and cultic practices, sue a directive to render the website or application inaccessible,” it reads in part.
Additionally, individuals found guilty of unauthorized alteration or taking ownership of another person’s SIM card with criminal intent could face fines up to Sh200,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.
According to Daudi, there is a need to address the growing challenges of online criminal activities, especially as the use of digital platforms in Kenya continues to rise.
He highlighted the potential for these platforms to be used for harmful purposes, including incitement to violence and cyberterrorism, which the bill seeks to curb.
The bill is currently awaiting further debate and approval by the National Assembly.
If passed, it could have significant implications for how Kenyans use social media and digital platforms, holding users accountable for the content they share and the activities they engage in online.
