Cybercrime Bill 2023 Referred to Assembly Committee for Scrutiny in Gambia
The CyberCrime Bill 2023 has been sent to the Assembly’s Business Committee (ABC) for further review, sparking concerns about its potential impact on press freedom and free speech. The bill aims to enhance provisions against cybercrime, establish procedures for obtaining electronic evidence, and facilitate international cooperation in combating online crimes.
Background
The introduction of a comprehensive cybercrime law is necessary due to the increasing threat posed by cybercriminals who exploit the internet’s borderless nature to commit economic crimes, intellectual property theft, cyber warfare, and espionage. According to Communications and Digital Economy Minister Ousman Bah, the bill will help expedite the fight against online crimes by facilitating international cooperation.
Concerns about Press Freedom and Free Speech
However, civil society actors, including the Gambia Press Union, have raised concerns about the potential restrictions on press freedom and free speech imposed by the proposed law. They called on lawmakers to subject the bill to wide public consultations to avoid any flaws.
Key Provisions of the Bill
The CyberCrime Bill 2023 outlines several provisions aimed at combating cybercrime, including:
- Authorization of law enforcement agencies to monitor and intercept specific communications in real-time if they have reasonable grounds to believe that trafficked data is associated with specific communications or connected with persons under investigation.
- Criminalization of using a computer system with intent to harm to spread false news or information against a person.
Additional Provisions
The bill also addresses issues such as:
- Child pornography
- Hate speech
- Blackmail
If passed, the law will provide a legitimate basis for law enforcement agencies to take action against cybercriminals. However, its potential impact on press freedom and free speech remains a subject of debate in Gambia.
Conclusion
The CyberCrime Bill 2023 has sparked concerns about its potential impact on press freedom and free speech in Gambia. While the bill aims to enhance provisions against cybercrime, it is essential that lawmakers carefully consider the implications of the proposed law and engage with civil society actors to ensure that it does not restrict fundamental rights and freedoms.