Journalist and Media Communication specialist Kenton Chance said he was “extremely concerned and unnerved” by what he sees in the piece of legislation “as avenues for the state to potentially criminalize journalists and their sources — many of whom might be whistle-blowers.”
“Regarding the Cybercrime Bill, I am specifically concerned about the implications of Section 7, which speaks to “Illegal acquisition of data” – Mr. Chance stated.
“Much of the information in stories of consequence comes by way of leaked information. (And if I might say, parenthetically, by stories of consequence, I don’t mean the ones that are happily doled out to the media at press conferences.)
As journalists, we build up, over time, a certain amount of trust in our sources. At times, we take them by their word. But sometimes, the story is such that we need proof” – he added, giving a fictitious scenario about ‘unauthorized’ access to information on computer system, which could be in the public’s interest.
“Leaked information, often accessed without “authorisation, permission or knowledge” of its custodian, often gives important insights into the inner working of centres of power — be they state, corporate, or otherwise” – Mr. Chance stated.
He also raised an observation about criminal defamation, which, according to him, Section 16 of the cyber crime bill strengthens.
Acknowledging the injury that can be done to a person’s reputation by certain willful, untrue statements, Mr. Chance, also noted the potential effects of criminal defamation on press freedom.
“Criminal defamation can have a chilling effect on freedom of expression, especially in countries like ours, where some of our institutions are not as well developed or independent of centres of powers as they should, or are intended to be.
Mr. Moderator, I am concerned that Subsection 3 potentially criminalises the publication of the truth. Note that the section said that “a person who intentionally… uses a computer to disseminate any information, statement or imagine; and exposes the private affairs of another person, thereby subjecting that other person to public ridicule, contempt, haters or embarrassment, commits an offence…” – Mr. Chance added.
