Today, we live in a world that is more connected than ever before. While this brings opportunities for growth, learning, and innovation, it also makes online safety a top priority. From everyday users to creators and community managers, everyone has a role to play in keeping the digital space secure.
In response to these realities, the Federal Government has fully enacted the 2025 Cybercrimes Act. Think of this Act as a powerful toolkit designed to safeguard your privacy, your reputation, and our national community. Here’s how this new law works to protect you:
1. Protection Against Digital Trespassing (Section 3)
- Your Right: Your phone, computer, and all your devices are your private property. This law ensures they stay that way.
- The Shield: It is now illegal for anyone to access your devices without your permission. Your personal space is legally protected.
Note: The next time anyone, including a police officer, stops you and asks to go through your phone, remember that this law protects you against such harassment.
2. Protection for Your Digital Property (Section 4)
- Your Right: Your data—including your photos, documents, and messages—belongs solely to you.
- The Shield: No one is allowed to modify, delete, or interfere with your digital data without lawful authority. Your digital memories, records, and work are secure.
3. Protection of Our National Security (Section 5)
- Your Right: To live in a secure nation where critical infrastructure such as power grids, communication systems, and financial institutions are safe.
- The Shield: Sharing classified or sensitive national security information is a serious offense. This provision strengthens national defense and protects us all from harm.
4. Protection of Private Conversations (Section 10)
- Your Right: To enjoy private conversations without fear of them being secretly recorded and used against you.
- The Shield: Recording private discussions without proper authorization is a violation of trust and privacy—and is now clearly illegal.
Please stop posting screenshots of DMs and personal conversations on social platforms. This Act enforces respect for digital privacy.
5. Protection From Falsehoods (Section 19)
- Your Right: To access truthful information and not be misled by dangerous lies online.
- The Shield: Spreading deliberate misinformation—commonly called “fake news”—that can cause panic, harm, or deceive people is now a crime. This helps clean up your newsfeed and promotes truth.
6. Protection From Online Bullying & Abuse (Section 22)
- Your Right: To dignity and respect online. You should not be subjected to vulgar, offensive, or humiliating content.
- The Shield: Posting content with the intent to harass, embarrass, or abuse others is now an offense. This empowers you against trolls and cyberbullies.
7. Protection of Our National Unity (Section 24
- Your Right: To live in a harmonious society free from hate-fueled conflict.
- The Shield: Attempting to incite ethnic, religious, or tribal hatred is treated with the utmost seriousness. This law safeguards the fabric of our diverse and united nation.
A Special Note for Community Guardians (WhatsApp, Facebook & Telegram Admins)
As a group administrator, you are the guardian of your community’s well-being. The new law recognizes your important role and provides you with protections and responsibilities:
- You are protected when you enforce clear rules against misinformation, hate speech, and harassment.
- You are empowered to remove harmful content and members who violate community standards.
- By proactively moderating your group, you shield both yourself and your members from liability, ensuring your community remains safe and enjoyable for all.
Be Informed. Be Responsible. Be Protected.
The 2025 Cybercrimes Act is more than just legislation—it is your digital shield. By understanding and embracing these provisions, you are actively contributing to a safer, more respectful, and more secure digital Nigeria for everyone.
Together, let’s use this toolkit to build a better online world where innovation thrives, dignity is respected, and our shared values are protected.
Stay safe. Stay informed. Stay empowered.
