Social Media Users Warned Against Sharing Lewd Content

Police Minister Kareem Musa told reporters this morning that it is an offence, “a criminal offence by virtue of the Cyber Crime Act of 2020,”  to share and publish videos and photographs of a lewd and indecent nature. This warning comes after a surge of videos and photographs depicting lewd content began circulating widely on social media over the weekend.

Police Commissioner Chester Williams has also condemned the people sharing the videos. He shared, “It is an offence under the Cyber Act for one to use a computer devise to produce or distribute any video or photographs with the intent to humiliate, harm, or subject a person to public ridicule or embarrassment. Those who are therefore engaging in the posting, reposting, or further distribution of these videos or photographs are committing the crime of cyberbullying and can be prosecuted.”

Authorities urge individuals who have posted or shared such content to remove it immediately and cease further distribution. The law is clear on the matter, and violators could face significant penalties, including imprisonment.

In a statement addressing the situation, attorney Audrey Matura expressed dismay over the derogatory comments and memes following the release of explicit videos involving several women and a particular male. Matura emphasised the emotional distress caused to the individuals involved, particularly the female public figure featured in the videos. Matura encouraged the public to assist law enforcement by screen recording evidence of such posts, ensuring that perpetrators can be held accountable.