Kenyatta signs cybercrimes Act

Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta last week signed into law a sweeping cybercrimes Act criminalising fake news and online bullying, with clauses that critics argue could stifle press freedom. A BusinessLIVE report notes that the Bill imposes stiff fines and jail terms for hacking, computer fraud, forgery of data, cyber-espionage, publishing child pornography or sending pornographic content via any electronic means. However, bloggers and media rights activists have expressed alarm over a clause which criminalises the publication of 'false, misleading or fictitious data'. Penalties include fines of $50 000 or up to two years in prison, or both. Article 19, a London-based freedom of expression watchdog, said the Bill contained important additions modelled after relevant international standards.