Conclusion
Module 7: Cybercrimes
Although the rise of cybercrimes must be addressed, a growing trend of using cybercrimes legislation to clamp down on dissent and free speech is deeply concerning. While the internet is a rapidly evolving space, legislation can and should be designed to include specific protections for online harms both at an individual level, such as cyberstalking and at a societal level, such as regulating the flow and use of personal data. Social media companies also have a role to play in ensuring that their platforms are not used for the distribution of illegal and harmful content. More generally, there is a need for countries in Africa to collaborate on an approach to tackling cybercrimes, which are frequently transnational in nature.