Module 3: Criminalisation of Online Speech

This module aims to:

• Provide an overview of current trends in the criminalisation of online speech in sub-Saharan Africa;

• Set out the applicable international human rights standards and fundamental international and regional legal principles;

• Understand the impact of criminalisation of speech on freedom of expression and identify legitimate purposes for limiting freedom of expression;

• Examine the different forms of criminalisation, including hate speech, cybercrime, and disinformation; and

• Identify practical ways to deal with the competing interests of dealing with criminality and protecting free speech.