People caught sharing pornography on the Internet in Kenya might soon find themselves guilty of an offense punishable by either a 25-year-jail term, a Sh 20 million fine, or both.

This is if a Computer, Misuse and Cybercrimes (Amendment) Bill, 2021 sponsored by Garissa Member of Parliament Aden Duale is passed.

This bill seeks to amend the current Computer Misuse and Cybercrimes Act 2018, which has been scrutinized over and over in Kenyan courts.

The bill further discourages the use of electronic mediums to promote pornography, terrorism, extreme religious or cult activities. It proposes that the National Computer and Cybercrimes committee recommend specific websites that should be accessible to Kenyans.

The Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE) says the move to amend the Cybercrimes Act seems to complicate rather than address previously raised issues.

The Bill further specifies in the amendments that no one shall knowingly use computer systems to upload pornographic content, manufacture pornographic content for distribution or download, distribute or transmit pornographic content. Storage or possession of pornographic content in an electronic system is also illegal in the new amendment.

A person who publishes or transmits electronic messages that is likely to cause other persons to join or participate in terrorist activities, commits and offence and shall be liable on conviction to a fine not exceeding twenty million shilling or imprisonment for a term not exceeding twenty-five years, or both.

According to Aden Duale, Garissa Township MP, who sponsored the bill, incidents such as the distribution of unsolicited sexually explicit content and related cases will be curbed. He says the bill will go a long way in saving families.

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Nigel Jr.
As a tech enthusiast and expert, Nigel Jr. is dedicated to providing in-depth and insightful content on all things technology. With a background in online journalism, product reviewing, and tech creation, Nigel has become a trusted source for all things tech.

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