Cyber Rights: Every Computer Users' Rights

By Ubong S. Ebong Esq. -
Today I'm going to talk about an area of our law that is still developing and still largely unknown to most people. Nevertheless, it is a very important area of law which creates and protects several rights. I'm talking about cyber law which basically deals with all your online and offline activities that involve computers. And by computers I'm not just talking about laptops and desktops but I'm referring to computers in the broader sense which includes electronic devices such as mobile phones, ATM machines, POS machines etc.

They are several laws which cover different aspects of cyber law but for the purpose of our discussion today I'll be focusing on the rights and protections provided by the Nigerian Cybercrime Act. This law talks about so many things that are useful to every Nigerian but I'll only be mentioning just a few. For more information, please consult your lawyer.

Without further ado, some of your cyber rights are:

1) right against unlawful access to your computer or online accounts which is otherwise called hacking,
2) right against unauthorized system interference where a person directly or indirectly does an intentional act which hinders the proper functioning of your computer system for a fraudulent purpose,
3) right against interception and wilful misdirection of electronic messages and transactions including electronic money transfers,
4) right against phishing, spamming and malicious or intentional spreading of computer virus,
5) right against electronic or online fraud,
6) right against computer related forgery,
7) right against theft of electronic devices,
8) right against identity theft and impersonation,
9) right against fraudulent issuance of e-instructions,
10) right against electronic cards fraud,
11) right against manipulation of ATM/POS terminals,
12) right against child pornography and related offences. This right not only forbids child pornography but it also extends to protect your children (under 18 years) from anyone who tries to lure them into sexual activities. This right also protects you as an adult from persons who knowingly make and send unsolicited pornographic contents.
13) Right against cyber stalking,
14) right against cyber squatting which refers to the malicious registration and use of an internet domain name to attack or mislead or defraud others,
15) right against racist, xenophobic and other discriminatory attacks 
16) right to freedom of speech,
17) right against cyber bullying and harassment,
18) right to privacy etc.

This list is not exhaustive as they are so many more rights and even the ones listed are so broad that we can't possibly explain them all today which is why you should consult your lawyer for proper counselling. Also, these rights are not just civil matters because violations of these rights are also criminal offences.

In our world today, advancements in technology has made the world a global computer village. Computers and the internet are now a crucial part of our daily lives. Because of this, it is very important to know that the law has provided you with rights in order to protect you from those who are misusing these technologies for negative purposes. So be vigilant, be careful and always consult your lawyer.

#KYR


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